Embryonic Development of the Axial Skeleton

Definition

The embryonic development of the axial skeleton is the process during which the central part of the skeleton, comprising the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum, forms from specialized cells in an embryo. This intricate process involves the differentiation and organization of cells into specific structures that provide support and protection for the body's vital organs.

Related terms

Osteogenesis: The process of bone tissue formation, crucial for developing the rigid structure of the axial skeleton.

Somites: Blocks of mesoderm located on either side of the neural tube in a developing embryo that give rise to components of the axial skeleton.

Neural crest cells: A group of cells that migrate from the dorsal margins of the neural tube and contribute to the formation of various structures in vertebrates, including parts of the skull