Embryology, Comparative Anatomy, and Congenital Malformations of the Gastrointestinal Tract
Edorium J Anat Embryo 2016;3:39–50. Danowitz et al. 39 www.edoriumjournals.com/ej/ae REVIEW ARTICLE PEER REVIEWED | OPEN ACCESS Embryology, comparative anatomy, and congenital malformations of the gastrointestinal tract Melinda Danowitz, Nikos Solounias ABSTRACT Human digestive development is an essential topic for medical students and physicians, Evolutionary biology gives context to human and many common congenital abnormalities embryonic digestive organs, and demonstrates directly relate to gastrointestinal embryology. how structural adaptations can fit changing We believe this comprehensive review of environmental requirements. Comparative gastrointestinal embryology and comparative anatomy is rarely included in the medical anatomy will facilitate a better understanding of school curriculum. However, its concepts gut development, congenital abnormalities, and facilitate a deeper comprehension of anatomy adaptations to various evolutionary ecological and development by putting the morphology conditions. into an evolutionary perspective. Features of gastrointestinal development reflect the transition Keywords: Anatomy education, Digestive, Embry- from aquatic to terrestrial environments, such as ology, Gastrointestinal tract the elongation of the colon in land vertebrates, allowing for better water reabsorption. In How to cite this article addition, fishes exhibit ciliary transport in the esophagus, which facilitates particle transport in Danowitz M, Solounias N. Embryology, comparative water, whereas land mammals develop striated anatomy, and congenital malformations of the and smooth esophageal musculature and utilize gastrointestinal tract. Edorium J Anat Embryo peristaltic muscle contractions, allowing for 2016;3:39–50. better voluntary control of swallowing. The development of an extensive vitelline drainage system to the liver, which ultimately creates Article ID: 100014A04MD2016 the adult hepatic portal system allows for the evolution of complex hepatic metabolic ********* functions seen in many vertebrates today.
[Show full text]