Development of the Gastrointestinal System: An Embryonic and Fetal Review
Lori Baas Rubarth1, Christine D Van Woudenberg
1Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
Neonatal Network : NN
|May 20, 2016
Summary
Understanding embryonic and fetal gastrointestinal (GI) development is key to diagnosing GI disorders. This review connects GI development to defects in preterm and term infants.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Gastroenterology
- Neonatology
Background:
- Embryonic and fetal gastrointestinal (GI) tract development is a complex process.
- Understanding normal GI development is crucial for identifying congenital anomalies and acquired disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the key stages of embryonic and fetal GI development.
- To correlate normal GI development with common GI defects and disorders in neonates.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of embryology and fetal development of the GI tract.
- Synthesis of information on GI anomalies and their developmental origins.
Main Results:
- Detailed description of organogenesis for the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and anus.
- Identification of critical developmental periods and potential disruptions leading to malformations.
- Association of specific developmental errors with conditions like atresias, malrotations, and Hirschsprung disease.
Conclusions:
- Disruptions in GI development can lead to a spectrum of neonatal disorders.
- Knowledge of GI embryology aids in the timely diagnosis and management of infant GI conditions.
Related Concept Videos
01:56Gastrulation
68.7K
Gastrulation establishes the three primary tissues of an embryo: the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. This developmental process relies on a series of intricate cellular movements, which in humans transforms a flat, “bilaminar disc” composed of two cell sheets into a three-tiered structure. In the resulting embryo, the endoderm serves as the bottom layer, and stacked directly above it is the intermediate mesoderm, and then the uppermost ectoderm. Respectively, these tissue strata...
68.7K
01:07Development of Blood Vessels
1.8K
The development of the vascular system in a fetus is a complex and intricate process that begins as early as 15 to 16 days post-conception. This process starts outside the embryo, specifically in the mesoderm of the yolk sac, chorion, and connecting stalk. Approximately two days later, the formation of blood vessels occurs within the embryo itself.
The initial formation of this system is facilitated by the small amount of yolk present in the ovum and yolk sac. Blood vessels originate from...
The initial formation of this system is facilitated by the small amount of yolk present in the ovum and yolk sac. Blood vessels originate from...
1.8K
01:15Development of the Lymphatic System
2.5K
The development of lymphatic tissues and vessels in embryonic life begins around the fifth week. These structures originate from the mesoderm layer, with lymph sacs emerging from developing veins.
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
2.5K
01:15Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus
4.6K
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...
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...
4.6K
01:27Development of the Heart
3.4K
The development of the human heart, a crucial organ, commences from the mesoderm on the 18th or 19th day after fertilization. This process initiates in the cardiogenic area, a group of mesodermal cells at the embryo's head end, which evolves into elongated strands known as cardiogenic cords. These cords undergo a transformation to form hollow-centered endocardial tubes.
As the embryo undergoes lateral folding, these paired tubes approach each other, merging into a single primitive heart...
As the embryo undergoes lateral folding, these paired tubes approach each other, merging into a single primitive heart...
3.4K
01:20Embryonic Connective Tissues
7.2K
During early development, the embryo forms two types of connective tissues— the mesenchyme and mucoid connective tissue.
The mesenchyme is the first connective tissue that emerges in the developing embryo. It consists of loosely arranged multipotent mesenchymal cells and reticular fibers in the extracellular matrix. This loose arrangement allows easy migration of cells, which is essential for germ layer positioning, patterning, and organ morphogenesis during embryonic development.
The mesenchyme is the first connective tissue that emerges in the developing embryo. It consists of loosely arranged multipotent mesenchymal cells and reticular fibers in the extracellular matrix. This loose arrangement allows easy migration of cells, which is essential for germ layer positioning, patterning, and organ morphogenesis during embryonic development.
7.2K