GROUP 5

EMBRYOLOG
Y
PRESENTATI
ON

MEMBERS
NAMES MAT. NO.
OBIVILO CHIDERA FRANCIS 22/025117/HSC
OBOT IDARA OKPUKPAN 22/025453/HSC
ODIAGBE SUNNY 22/024825/HSC
ODIGIE DAVID IMUETINYAN 22/025102/HSC
ODUYOYE UMAAMAH 23/026654/HSC
OMOLABAKE
OGBONNA BENITA OZIOMA 21/024088/HSC
OJIEFOH CONFIDENCE 22/025348/HSC
OLINANYACHUKWU
OKAFOR CHINEDU EMMANUEL 22/024859/HSC
OKAFOR CHIOMA ROSEMARY 22/025123/HSC
OKETADE OLUWATOSIN 22/025473/HSC
OKODUWA JUMABEST OSEME 22/025105/HSC
OKOGBE ESTHER OMOYEMEN 22/024886/HSC
OKOJIE ALICIA ENIBOKUN 22/025409/HSC
OKORIE CHEKWAS MICHAEL 22/024869/HSC
OKPARA PRECIOUS CHIMEZIE 22/025244/HSC
OKUNGBOWA UYIOGHOSA PEACE 22/024925/HSC
OLAOKE ENIADE OYINOLA 22/024811/HSC
OLAWOLU AYOMIDE COMFORT 22/024936/HSC
OLUKAYODE OREOLUWA 22/024903/HSC
DEBORAH
OMAMUZO DIVINE-BLESSING 22/024999/HSC
UZEGHALE
OMOREGIE DIVINE 22/024821/HSC
OSAHENRUMWEN
OMOREGIE GEORGE UYIOSA 22/024827/HSC
OMOROGBE-HARRY CHRISTABEL 22/024813/HSC
ONAZI EMMANUEL 21/023985/HSC
OLUWAFIKAYOMI
ONOCHIE CHIMAMAKA 22/025003/HSC
ONUH OJOKO YAKUBU 22/024867/HSC
ONUOHA CANDY CHIOMA 21/024427/HSC
OPIA JUDE BRYANT 22/025051/HSC

FOLDING OF THE EMBRYO

INTRODUCTION
Embryonic folding is a major process in the development of an
embryo. It aid in development through morphogenesis; the development of
shape, size and other features of the whole body and differentiation;
specialization of cells. It also occurs during the embryonic period (4th to 8th
week).
In embryonic folding, the flat trilaminar embryonic discs are becomes
a more cylindrical embryo. This occurs due to the medial and horizontal
folding that happens as a result of different rates of rapid growth of
embryonic structures. Folding at the medial and horizontal planes occur
simultaneously, along with the constriction at the junction of the embryo
and umbilical vesicle.

FOLDING IN THE MEDIAL PLANE

Folding in the medial plane produces both head and tail folds, and
results in the cranial and caudal regions moving ventrally as the embryo
elongates cranially and caudally at the neural folds.

HEAD FOLD
At the beginning of the fourth week, the cranial end of the neural tube
enlarges and projects dorsally into the amniotic cavity, the fluid-filled cavity
inside the amnion (the innermost membrane around the embryo). The
amniotic cavity contains amniotic fluid and the embryo. The developing
brain then overshoots the oropharyngeal membrane area and overhangs
the primordial heart. At the same time the septum transversum, primordial
heart, pericardial coelom and oropharyngeal membrane turn to the ventral
surface of the embryo. During folding the foregut is formed by part of
endoderm of the umbilical vesicle incorporating int the embryo. The foregut
lies between the brain caudally and the primordial heart ventrally, the
oropharyngeal membrane also separates the foregut from the stomodeum
(the primordial mouth).
After folding, the septum transversum lies caudal to the heart, where
it develops into the central tendon of the diaphragm. The head fold also
affects the arrangement of the embryonic coelom (primordium of the body
cavity). Before folding, the coelom consists of a flattened, horseshoe-
shaped cavity. After folding, the pericardial coelom lies ventral to the heart
and cranial to the septum transversum.
TAIL FOLD
This occurs due to growth at the distal or caudal end of the neural
tube. As the embryo grows, the caudal eminence (tail region) pushes the
cloacal membrane, the future site of the anus ventrally. During folding the
hindgut is also formed by the endodermal germ layer incorporating into the
embryo, forming the descending colon and reticulum. The terminal part of
the hindgut soon dilates slightly to form the cloaca, the rudiment of the
urinary bladder and rectum. At the end of this folding the cloacal
membrane, primitive streak and connective stalk (primordium of the
umbilical cord) all move ventrally.
Before folding, the primitive streak lies cranial to the cloacal
membrane after folding, it lies caudal to it, the connecting stalk is now
attached to the ventral surface of the embryo and the allantois, or the
diverticulum of the umbilical vesicle, is partially incorporated into the
embryo.
FOLDING IN THE HORIZONTAL OR TRANSVERSE PLANE
Folding of the sides of the developing embryo produces the right and
left lateral body folds due to rapidly enlarging neural tube and somites.
Each lateral body fold moves towards the midline, rolling the edges of the
embryonic disks ventrally to form a cylindrical embryo. As lateral and
ventral body walls form, part of the yolk sac is incorporated into the embryo
forming the midgut. Initially, there is a wide connection between the midgut
and umbilical vesicle however, after lateral folding, the connection is
reduced, forming an omphaloenteric duct.
After folding, the area of the amnion attachment to embryo is
reduced to a narrow umbilicus on its ventral surface. As the midgut is
separated from the yolk sac, it attaches to the dorsal abdominal wall via a
thin dorsal mesentery. As the umbilical cord forms, the ventral fusion of the
lateral folds reduces the area of communication between the intra- and
extraembryonic coelom.
`

GERM LAYER DERIVATIVES

The three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm) are
formed during gastrulation, which gives rise to the primordia of all tissues
and organs, this becomes the differentiation aspect of embryonic
development. The cells of each germ layer divide, migrate, aggregate, and
differentiate in patterns as they form the various organ systems. The main
germ layer derivatives are as follows:
ECTODERM gives rise to the central nervous system; peripheral
nervous system; sensory epithelia of the eyes, ears, and nose; epidermis
and its appendages (hair and nails); mammary glands; pituitary gland;
subcutaneous glands; and enamel of the teeth. Neural crest cells, derived
from neuroectoderm, the central region of early ectoderm, eventually give
rise to or participate in the formation of many cells types and organs,
including cells of the spinal cord, cranial nerves (V, VII, IX, and X), and
autonomic ganglia; ensheathing cells of the peripheral nervous system;
pigment cells of the dermis; muscles, connective tissues, and bones of
pharyngeal arch origin; suprarenal medulla; and meninges (coverings) of
the brain and spinal cord.
MESODERM gives rise to connective tissue, cartilage, bone, striated
and smooth muscles, heart, blood, and lymphatic vessels; kidneys; ovaries;
testes; genital ducts; serous membranes lining the body cavities
(pericardial, pleural, and peritoneal membranes); spleen; and cortex of the
suprarenal glands.
ENDODERM gives rise to the epithelial lining of the digestive and
respiratory tracts; parenchyma (connective tissue framework) of the tonsils;
thyroid and parathyroid glands; thymus, liver, and pancreas; epithelial lining
of the urinary bladder and most of the urethra; and epithelial lining of the
tympanic cavity, tympanic antrum, and pharyngotympanic tube.

FORMATION OF THE GUT

During folding the endoderm moves towards the midline and fuses,
incorporating the dorsal part of the yolk sac creating the primitive gut tube,
which differentiates into the fore, mid and hindgut.
The primordial gut at the beginning of the fourth week is closed at its
cranial end by the oropharyngeal membrane and caudal end by the cloacal
membrane. Primordial gut forms during the fourth week as the head, tail
and lateral fold incorporate the dorsal part of the yolk sac into the embryo.
The endoderm of the primordial gut gives rise to most of the epithelium
and glands of the digestive tract. The epithelium at the cranial and caudal
ends of the tract is derived from ectoderm of the stomodeum (mouth) and
proctodeum (anal pit).
The three guts form other structures during development such as
The foregut develops into the pharynx, esophagus and lower respiratory
system.
The midgut develops into the small intestine.
The hindgut develops into the cloaca, rudiments of the urinary bladder and
rectum.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Some of the clinical relevance of embryonic folding are:
 Organogenesis and Morphogenesis: Embryonic folding is integral to
organogenesis, ensuring the proper positioning and connection of
developing organs. Errors in folding can lead to congenital anomalies,
such as neural tube defects, heart malformations, and
gastrointestinal abnormalities.
 Neural Tube Formation: Folding contributes to the closure of the
neural tube, a precursor to the central nervous system. Incomplete
closure results in neural tube defects like spina bifida, causing
neurological complications.
 Cardiac Development: Folding plays a role in the formation of the
primitive heart tube. Aberrations in cardiac folding can lead to
congenital heart diseases, affecting circulation and overall health.
 Gastrointestinal System: Folding shapes the primitive gut tube,
determining the arrangement of the digestive organs. Malformations
may result in conditions such as omphalocele or gastroschisis.
 Placental Development: Embryonic folding influences the formation
and function of the placenta. Issues in placental development can
impact nutrient exchange, affecting fetal growth and development.
 Limbs and Skeletal Formation: Folding contributes to limb bud
development and patterning. Malformations in this process may lead
to limb abnormalities or skeletal dysplasias.
  Clinical Implications: Understanding embryonic folding aids in
prenatal diagnosis of congenital abnormalities through imaging
techniques. Research in this area informs strategies for preventing or
mitigating birth defects through early intervention.

In conclusion, embryonic folding is an intricate process crucial in

shaping life’s beginnings. Its orchestration brings forth the blueprint of
complex organisms. Understanding the process allows us to grasp the full
understanding of a part of the embryonic development of an embryo.