MSK Session 3 Flashcards
How are somites formed?
Paraxial mesoderm aggregates into pairs of blocks either side of the neural tube
What is the origin of the musculoskeletal system?
Somites and lateral plate mesoderm
How are somites further organised after formation?
Into bone, muscle and skin precursors within the somite
Why does development of the MSK system not take place until relatively late, in the fourth week of development?
It is not necessary for the developing embryo like the CVS or NS
Where do the limb buds appear?
On the ventral-lateral body wall
Why is the UL always more developed than the LL?
It appears ~2 days before
What is the structure of a limb bud?
Core of proliferating mesenchymal cells which are similar to CT cells
Proliferate at a greater rate than the surrounding cells which form the bud
Describe the development of limb buds.
Somatic layer of lateral plate mesoderm
Activation of mesenchyme w/in lateral mesoderm layer
Flexible mesenchyme core proliferates to elongate limb bud
Apical ectodermal ridge regulates elongation
What is the entire embryo covered by?
Endoderm
What does the limb bud need to grow?
Thickening of endoderm at apex
What is the function of the apical ectodermal ridge?
Orchestrate proximal to distal limb development
Ensure limb develops to required length
Regression for proper digit growth
Marks dorsal-ventral limb boundary
What is the final stage of limb development?
Appearance of paddles
What is the function of the dorsal/ventral ectoderm?
Exert dorsalising and ventralising influences over mesenchyme core
What are the corresponding postnatal axes to the embryonic axes of limb development?
Anterior (head) = superior Dorsal = posterior Proximal = proximal Posterior (tail) = inferior Ventral (belly) = anterior Distal = distal
What are the three degrees of symmetry in the embryo?
Side to side
Front and back
Top and bottom
Where is the anrterio-posterio axis of the developing limb?
From the 1st digit to 5th
What makes up the dorsal aspect of the developing limb?
Back of hand and top of foot
What makes up the ventral aspect of the developing limb?
Palm of hand and sole of foot
Where is the proximo-distal axis of the developing limb?
Base of limb to tips of digits
What is the function of the AER as the limb elongates?
Secretes signalling molecules to the underlying mesenchymal cells to prevent their differentiation and continue proliferation
What happens to the proximal mesenchyme as the limb elongates?
Stops receiving signals from AER so it differentiates into constituent tissues
How does the zone of polarising activity generate asymmetry in the limbs?
Determines the anterior-posterior axis
What effect does the ZPA have on the hands and feet?
Ensures they are mirror images of each other
Where is the ZPA located?
Posterior base of the limb bud