Development of the amniote ventrolateral body wall

In vertebrates, the trunk consists of the musculoskeletal structures of the back and the ventrolateral body wall, which together enclose the internal organs of the circulatory, digestive, respiratory and urogenital systems. This review gives an overview on the development of the thoracic and abdominal wall during amniote embryogenesis. Specifically, I briefly summarize relevant historical concepts and the present knowledge on the early embryonic development of ribs, sternum, intercostal muscles and abdominal muscles with respect to anatomical bauplan, origin and specification of precursor cells, initial steps of pattern formation, and cellular and molecular regulation of morphogenesis.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the development of the thoracic and abdominal wall in vertebrates during amniote embryogenesis, focusing on ribs, sternum, intercostal muscles and abdominal muscles, including historical concepts and current knowledge on precursor cells origin and specification, pattern formation, and cellular and molecular regulation of morphogenesis.