Head Development - Abnormalities

Introduction

Many head and neck structures are derived from pharyngeal arches 1 and 2 which undergo extensive remodelling during head development. Within the head are embedded many other complex developing structures, it is therefore not uncommon for this body region to have many associated abnormalities. Note that for neural and other head organs, look at the relevant section of notes which have their own abnormalities page.

Historic Head Embryology
1910 Skull \| 1910 Skull Images \| 1912 Nasolacrimal Duct \| 1921 Human Brain Vascular \| 1923 Head Subcutaneous Plexus \| 1919 21mm Embryo Skull \| 1920 Human Embryo Head Size \| 1921 43 mm Fetal Skull \| Historic Disclaimer

Head and Neck Abnormalities

Congenital Auricular Sinuses and Cysts
Pharyngeal Abnormalities - Sinuses, Fistula, Cysts, Vestiges
Piriform Sinus Fistula
First Arch Syndrome
Treacher Collins syndrome
Pierre Robin syndrome
DiGeorge syndrome
Accessory thymic tissue
Ectopic parathyroid glands
Thyroid Gland Anomalies

Pharyngeal Abnormalities

The four different types of pharyngeal abnormalities are relatively rare.

Sinuses - a pharyngeal groove defect, when a portion of the groove persists and opens to the skin surface, located laterally on the neck.
Fistula - a pharyngeal membrane defect, a tract extends from pharynx (tonsillar fossa) beween the carotid arteries (internal and external) to open on side of neck.
Cysts - a cervical sinus defect, remants of the cervical sinus remains as a fluid-filled cyst lined by an epithelium.
Vestiges - cartilaginous or bony developmental remnants lies under the skin on side of neck.

Glossary Links

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Cite this page: Hill, M.A. (2024, June 2) Embryology Head Development - Abnormalities. Retrieved from https://embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/embryology/index.php/Head_Development_-_Abnormalities

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