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A temporary disc-like structure at the median atlanto-axial joint in human fetuses.
- Source :
-
Anatomy & cell biology [Anat Cell Biol] 2019 Dec; Vol. 52 (4), pp. 436-442. Date of Electronic Publication: 2019 Dec 31. - Publication Year :
- 2019
-
Abstract
- During observations of mid-term and late-stage fetuses, we found a joint disk-like structure at the anterior component of the median atlanto-axial joint. At mid-term, the disk-like structure was thick (0.1-0.15 mm) relative to the sizes of bones surrounding the joint. However, it did not completely separate the joint cavity, and was absent in the inferior and/or central part of the cavity. This morphology was similar to the so-called fibroadipose meniscoid of the lumbar zygapophysial joint that is usually seen in adults. In mid-term fetuses, there was evidence suggesting that a mesenchymal tissue plate was separated from a roof of the joint cavity. In late-stage fetuses, the thickness (less than 0.15 mm) was usually the same as, or less than that at mid-term, and the disk-like structure was often flexed, folded and fragmented. Therefore, in contrast to the zygapophysial meniscoid as a result of aging, the present disk-like structure was most likely a temporary product during the cavitation process. It seemed to be degenerated in late-stage fetuses and possibly also in newborns. Anomalies at the craniocervical junction such as Chiari malformations might accompany this disk-like structure at the median atlanto-axial joint even in childhood.<br />Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.<br /> (Copyright © 2019. Anatomy & Cell Biology.)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 2093-3665
- Volume :
- 52
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Anatomy & cell biology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 31949983
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.5115/acb.19.128