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
Insights
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.
Abstract:
The embryonic and fetal development of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is important in understanding the development of many GI disorders. This article will review the GI development and relate it to various defects and disorders seen in the preterm and term infant.
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