Development of the arterial pattern in the upper limb of staged human embryos: normal development and anatomic variations

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1469-7580.2001.19940407.x
• Publication Date: 2003-03-12T07:25:23Z
• Authors: M. RODRÍGUEZ‐NIED...; G. J. BURTON; J. DEU; J. R. SAÑUDO
• Keywords: Axillary artery; Latissimus dorsi muscle; Dorsal aorta

A total of 112 human embryos (224 upper limbs) between stages 12 and 23 development were examined. It was observed that formation the arterial system in limb takes place as a dual process. An initial capillary plexus appears from dorsal aorta during stage develops at same rate limb. At 13, begins maturation process involving enlargement differentiation selected parts. This remodelling starts continues proximal to distal sequence. By 15 has reached subclavian axillary arteries, by 17 it brachial artery far elbow, 18 forearm arteries except for part radial, finally 21 whole pattern is present its definitive morphology. parallels skeletal chronologically. number variations observed, classified follows: superficial (7.7%), accessory (0.6%). brachioradial (14%), brachioulnar (4.7%), brachioulnoradial (0.7%), palmar median (18.7%) brachiomedian (0.7%) arteries. They belonging 17-23 not related specific development. Statistical comparison with rates reported adults did show significant differences. suggested arise through persistence, parts network which would normally remain capillaries or even regress.