Cervical sinus

Cervical sinus is a term in embryology that refers to a temporary structure during the development of the pharyngeal apparatus. The cervical sinus is formed from the second to fourth pharyngeal grooves and pouches. It is located on the lateral neck region of the embryo.

Etymology

The term "cervical" is derived from the Latin word "cervix" which means neck. The term "sinus" is derived from the Latin word "sinus" which means a hollow or cavity.

Development

The pharyngeal apparatus forms during the fourth week of embryonic development. It consists of a series of six pharyngeal arches, pharyngeal pouches (endoderm-lined), pharyngeal clefts or grooves (ectoderm-lined), and a mesenchymal (neural crest and mesoderm) core. The second to fourth pharyngeal grooves deepen and fuse to form the cervical sinus.

The cervical sinus is a temporary structure and usually disappears by the end of the seventh week of embryonic development. If the cervical sinus does not obliterate completely, it may persist as a cervical sinus of His, which can lead to branchial cleft anomalies.

Clinical significance

The persistence of the cervical sinus can lead to the formation of a branchial cleft cyst, sinus, or fistula. These are types of branchial anomalies, which are congenital lesions that result from the incomplete obliteration of the cervical sinus.

See also

• Pharyngeal apparatus
• Branchial cleft cyst
• Branchial anomalies

References

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