Development of the membranous labyrinth of human embryos and fetuses using computer aided 3D-reconstruction

Arnold, Wolfgang H.; Lang, Tomas

doi:10.1016/s0940-9602(01)80014-5

Cited by 23 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…The vestibular apparatus develops earlier than the cochlear part and grows at a faster rate. The semicircular canals rapidly emerge as disc‐like out‐pocketings from the vestibular part (Arnold & Lang, 2001), and attain their general form by about the eighth week in utero (Streeter, 1918). Growth differences are evident among the three canals.…”

Section: Ontogeny Of the Human Labyrinthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prenatal growth and development of the modern human labyrinth

2004

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The modern human bony labyrinth is morphologically distinct from that of all other primates, showing derived features linked with vestibular function and the overall shape of the cranial base. However, little is known of how this unique morphology emerges prenatally. This study examines in detail the developing fetal human labyrinth, both to document this basic aspect of cranial biology, and more specifically, to gain insight into the ontogenetic basis of its phylogenetically derived morphology. Forty-one post-mortem human fetuses, ranging from 9 to 29 weeks gestation, were investigated with high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. Quantitative analyses of the labyrinthine morphology revealed a number of interesting age-related trends. In addition, our findings show that: (1) the prenatal labyrinth attains an adult equivalent size between 17 and 19 weeks gestation; (2) within the period investigated, shape changes to all or most of the labyrinth cease after the 17-19-week size maturation point or after the otic capsule ossifies; (3) fetal cochlea development correlates with the surrounding petrosal morphology, but not with the midline basicranium; (4) gestational age-related rotations of the ampullae and cochlea relative to the lateral canal, and posterior canal torsion are similar to documented phylogenetic trends whereas other trends remain distinct. Findings are discussed in terms of the ontogenetic processes and mechanisms that most likely led, in part, to the emergence of the phylogenetically derived adult modern human labyrinth.

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Section: Ontogeny Of the Human Labyrinthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prenatal growth and development of the modern human labyrinth

2004

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“…This surface ectoderm differentiates into the otic placode, otic primordium, and finally the otic vesicle. The otic vesicle finally separates into the primordium of the endolymphatic duct system, which consists of the vestibular portion, the cochlea, and the endolymphatic sac (Arnold and Lang, 2001). The membranous labyrinth in the inner ear contains a secluded epithelial layer that is diversified into specific regions containing sensory elements of the hair cells and supporting cells, and transmits information to local neurons ensheathed by Schwann cells and satellite glia.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Neurosensory Differentiation and Innervation Patterning in the Human Fetal Vestibular End Organs between the Gestational Weeks 8–12

et al. 2016

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Balance orientation depends on the precise operation of the vestibular end organs and the vestibular ganglion neurons. Previous research on the assemblage of the neuronal network in the developing fetal vestibular organ has been limited to data from animal models. Insights into the molecular expression profiles and signaling moieties involved in embryological development of the human fetal inner ear have been limited. We present an investigation of the cells of the vestibular end organs with specific focus on the hair cell differentiation and innervation pattern using an uninterrupted series of unique specimens from gestational weeks 8–12. Nerve fibers positive for peripherin innervate the entire fetal crista and utricle. While in rodents only the peripheral regions of the cristae and the extra-striolar region of the statolithic organs are stained. At week 9, transcription factors PAX2 and PAX8 were observed in the hair cells whereas PAX6 was observed for the first time among the supporting cells of the cristae and the satellite glial cells of the vestibular ganglia. Glutamine synthetase, a regulator of the neurotransmitter glutamate, is strongly expressed among satellite glia cells, transitional zones of the utricle and supporting cells in the sensory epithelium. At gestational week 11, electron microscopic examination reveals bouton contacts at hair cells and first signs of the formation of a protocalyx at type I hair cells. Our study provides first-hand insight into the fetal development of the vestibular end organs as well as their pattern of innervation by means of immunohistochemical and EM techniques, with the aim of contributing toward our understanding of balance development.

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“…The membranous labyrinth is of ectodermal origin, and the development of the otic capsule is induced by the otic vesicle (15). Its differentiation relies strongly on genetic control (3,15). The growth of the labyrinth occurs mainly from 9 to 18 WA (3) and is constrained by the rapid ossification of the otic capsule.…”

Section: Scc Ossificationmentioning

confidence: 99%