Vitelline arteries: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 10:50, 15 February 2025

Vitelline Arteries[edit]

Diagram of a human embryo 15 to 18 days old, showing the vitelline arteries.

The vitelline arteries are a pair of arteries that supply blood to the yolk sac of the developing embryo. These arteries are crucial during the early stages of embryonic development, as they are involved in the formation of the gastrointestinal tract and its associated structures.

Development[edit]

During embryogenesis, the vitelline arteries arise from the dorsal aorta and extend to the yolk sac. As the embryo develops, these arteries undergo significant changes. They contribute to the formation of the celiac artery, the superior mesenteric artery, and the inferior mesenteric artery, which are major arteries supplying the abdominal organs.

The vitelline arteries are initially paired structures, but as development progresses, they undergo a complex process of fusion and regression, leading to the formation of the definitive arterial supply to the gut.

Function[edit]

In the early embryo, the vitelline arteries are responsible for transporting nutrients from the yolk sac to the developing embryo. This is essential for the growth and differentiation of embryonic tissues. As the placenta forms and takes over the role of nutrient supply, the yolk sac and its associated vasculature, including the vitelline arteries, become less prominent.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Abnormal development of the vitelline arteries can lead to congenital anomalies of the gastrointestinal tract. For example, persistence of the vitelline duct, which is associated with the vitelline arteries, can result in Meckel's diverticulum, a common congenital anomaly of the small intestine.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Vitelline Arteries'''
+== Vitelline Arteries ==
-The '''Vitelline arteries''' are a group of blood vessels that supply the [[yolk sac]] in the developing [[embryo]]. They are derived from the [[primitive aorta]] and are responsible for the vascularization of the yolk sac, which provides nourishment to the embryo in the early stages of development.
+[[File:Gray31.png|thumb|right|Diagram of a human embryo 15 to 18 days old, showing the vitelline arteries.]]
-==Etymology==
+The '''vitelline arteries''' are a pair of arteries that supply blood to the [[yolk sac]] of the developing embryo. These arteries are crucial during the early stages of embryonic development, as they are involved in the formation of the [[gastrointestinal tract]] and its associated structures.
-The term "vitelline" is derived from the Latin word "vitellus", which means "yolk". This is a reference to the function of these arteries, which is to supply blood to the yolk sac.
+=== Development ===
-==Development==
+During embryogenesis, the vitelline arteries arise from the [[dorsal aorta]] and extend to the yolk sac. As the embryo develops, these arteries undergo significant changes. They contribute to the formation of the [[celiac artery]], the [[superior mesenteric artery]], and the [[inferior mesenteric artery]], which are major arteries supplying the [[abdominal organs]].
-The vitelline arteries develop from the primitive aorta in the embryo. They extend to the yolk sac and form a network of vessels that supply it with blood. The yolk sac is an important source of nourishment for the embryo in the early stages of development.
+The vitelline arteries are initially paired structures, but as development progresses, they undergo a complex process of fusion and regression, leading to the formation of the definitive arterial supply to the gut.
-==Function==
+=== Function ===
-The primary function of the vitelline arteries is to supply the yolk sac with blood. The yolk sac is a temporary structure that provides nourishment to the embryo in the early stages of development. The blood supplied by the vitelline arteries carries nutrients and oxygen to the yolk sac, which are then transferred to the embryo.
+In the early embryo, the vitelline arteries are responsible for transporting nutrients from the yolk sac to the developing embryo. This is essential for the growth and differentiation of embryonic tissues. As the [[placenta]] forms and takes over the role of nutrient supply, the yolk sac and its associated vasculature, including the vitelline arteries, become less prominent.
-==Clinical Significance==
+=== Clinical Significance ===
-Abnormalities in the development or function of the vitelline arteries can lead to a variety of [[congenital anomalies]]. For example, persistence of the vitelline artery can result in a condition known as [[Meckel's diverticulum]], which can cause complications such as bleeding and obstruction in the [[gastrointestinal tract]].
+Abnormal development of the vitelline arteries can lead to congenital anomalies of the gastrointestinal tract. For example, persistence of the vitelline duct, which is associated with the vitelline arteries, can result in [[Meckel's diverticulum]], a common congenital anomaly of the small intestine.
-==Related Terms==
+== Related Pages ==
 * [[Yolk sac]]
-* [[Primitive aorta]]
+* [[Embryogenesis]]
-* [[Embryo]]
+* [[Gastrointestinal tract]]
+* [[Celiac artery]]
+* [[Superior mesenteric artery]]
+* [[Inferior mesenteric artery]]
 * [[Meckel's diverticulum]]
-* [[Congenital anomalies]]
-==See Also==
-* [[Vitelline duct]]
-* [[Vitelline vein]]
 [[Category:Embryology]]
 [[Category:Cardiovascular system]]
-[[Category:Arteries]]
-{{stub}}