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Related Concept Videos

Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age01:09

Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age

The upper and lower limb initially develops as a small bulge called a limb bud, which appears on the lateral side of the early embryo. The upper limb bud appears near the end of the fourth week of development, with the lower limb bud appearing shortly after.
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Development of the Limb Synovial Joints01:07

Development of the Limb Synovial Joints

Joints form during embryonic development in conjunction with the formation and growth of the associated bones. The embryonic tissue that gives rise to all bones, cartilage, and connective tissues of the body is called mesenchyme.
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...
Classification of Bones01:18

Classification of Bones

The bones of the human skeletal system are of varied shapes, sizes, and functions. They can be classified based on their shape and function into four major classes: long bones, short bones, flat bones, and irregular bones. Some classifications include a fifth type, the sesamoid bones, as a separate class, whereas others categorize them under short bones.
Long and Short Bones
The appendicular skeleton, particularly the upper and lower limbs, is primarily made of long and short bones. The long...
Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus01:15

Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus

Development of the reproductive organs in an embryo starts from a bipotential state. This means the early embryo can develop either male or female reproductive organs. The formation of these organs begins with the growth of gonadal ridges that arise from the intermediate mesoderm during the fifth week of development.
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the male...
Functional Classification of Joints01:09

Functional Classification of Joints

Functional Classification of Joints
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses  or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An immobile...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus01:19

Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus

The upper limb consists of the arm, forearm, wrist, and hand bones. The humerus is the single bone of the upper arm region. Proximally, it has a large, spherical, smooth head that articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the glenohumeral or shoulder joint. The margin of the head is the anatomical neck, a residual epiphyseal plate. Laterally it extends to form bony projections called the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle. Next to the tubercles is the surgical neck, a...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Block Building Task Identifies Distinct Groups of Left/Right-hand Choice Patterns After Unilateral Peripheral Nerve Injury
07:06

Block Building Task Identifies Distinct Groups of Left/Right-hand Choice Patterns After Unilateral Peripheral Nerve Injury

Published on: March 21, 2025

Congenital hand differences: embryology and classification.

Douglas M Sammer1, Kevin C Chung

  • 1Department of Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.

Hand Clinics
|April 22, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Congenital hand differences, impacting 1 in 500 births, pose diagnostic challenges. This study reviews upper limb embryology and classification systems, highlighting difficulties in categorizing these conditions.

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Last Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Block Building Task Identifies Distinct Groups of Left/Right-hand Choice Patterns After Unilateral Peripheral Nerve Injury
07:06

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Area of Science:

  • Developmental biology
  • Orthopedic surgery
  • Medical genetics

Background:

  • Congenital hand differences occur in approximately 1 in 500 individuals.
  • These conditions present significant diagnostic and classification challenges.
  • Understanding embryological development is crucial for addressing these differences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the embryology of the hand and upper extremity.
  • To describe the Swanson/International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand classification system.
  • To explore the challenges in classifying congenital hand differences.

Main Methods:

  • Review of embryological development of the upper limb.
  • Discussion of molecular mechanisms in limb patterning.
  • Analysis of the Swanson/International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand classification system.

Main Results:

  • Detailed explanation of upper limb embryogenesis.
  • Description of the Swanson/International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand classification criteria.
  • Identification of limitations in current classification methods based on morphology or etiology.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate classification of congenital hand differences remains complex.
  • Further research into embryological origins may improve diagnostic and treatment strategies.
  • Standardized classification is essential for research and clinical practice.