Four‐dimensional analysis of early pelvic girdle development in Rana temporaria

• DOI: 10.1002/jmor.10913
• Publication Date: 2010-12-16T08:57:31Z
• Authors: Christine Pomikal; Roland Blumer; Johannes Streicher
• Keywords: Pelvic girdle; Appendicular skeleton; Axial skeleton; Skeleton (computer programming)

A key event in vertebrate evolution is the linkage of appendicular to axial skeleton. The present study investigates developmental dynamics pelvic girdle morphogenesis Rana temporaria up until metamorphosis, with respect its functional and spatio-temporal organization. main questions be addressed are: initial location number elements contributing formation, mechanism bridging between anlage sacrum arthrogenesis. Serial histological sections specimens from Gosner Stages 30 41 were bright-field microscopically examined 3D-reconstructed. 3D-models merged 4D-animations illustrating complex through time. results reveal formation a single mesenchymal condensation located close skeleton, but far In addition, our analysis detects thin connective tissue strand R. guiding elongation ilium towards sacrum. 4D-visualization allows novel insight into ilio-sacral process reorientation pelvis.