Development of the Limbs

  • Describe the role of the apical ectodermal ridge and zone of polarizing activity in limb development
    • Apical Ectodermal Ridge (AER)
      • Produces Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGF8) which induces the limb mesenchyme to grow and develop in the proximal-distal axis
      • FGF activates the ZPA to express SHH genes
    • Zone of Polarizing Activity (ZPA)
      • SHH is expressed when the ZPA is activated by FGF. It controls the normal patterning of the limbs along the anterior-posterior axis
  • Define the following congenital anomalies: amelia, phocomelia, meromelia, brachydactyly, syndactyly
    • Amelia
      • absence of limb or limbs
    • Phocomelia
      • underdeveloped limbs
    • Meromelia
      • absence of part of a limb
    • Brachydactyly
      • Shortened digits
    • Syndactyly
      • Fused or webbed fingers
Dr. Jeffrey Kalei
Dr. Jeffrey Kalei

Author and illustrator for Hyperexcision. Interested in emergency room medicine. I have a passion for medical education and drawing.

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