Paper - The Development of the Infra-Umbilical Portion of the Abdominal Wall, with Remarks on the Aetiology of Ectopia Vesicae: Difference between revisions

From Embryology
Line 708: Line 708:
No history.
No history.


The downgrowths from the dorsal mesoderm are clearly divisible into three strata uniting in front. Above the body stalk the ventral junction is some
The downgrowths from the dorsal mesoderm are clearly divisible into three strata uniting in front. Above the body stalk the ventral junction is some distance from the midline where the body wall is composed of tissue of loose texture (Pl. VIII, fig. 28). At the level of the body stalk the thickening forming the rectus muscle is visible; the splitting to form its sheath can be dis-
cerned. Below the body stalk the rectus sheath runs into a mesodermal mass
forming the midventral wall (Pl. VIII, fig. 29). The infra-umbilical abdominal
wall has increased considerably from that of the 16-1 embryo.




Line 718: Line 721:
caudal attachment of the stalk. G’.t. =section 977 at the level of the genital tubercle. Kl. = cloacal membrane.
caudal attachment of the stalk. G’.t. =section 977 at the level of the genital tubercle. Kl. = cloacal membrane.


The mesodermal mass forms not only the ventral portion of the abdominal wall but the entire thickness of tissue superficial to the allantois and bladder (Text—fig. 9A, B).
===30-mm embryo===
Obtained following abortion; sections cut longitudinally. The graph (Text-fig. 10) shows the extent of the mesoderm and P1. VI, fig. 22, is a section almost through the midsagittal plane, demonstrating the
continuity of the stalk mesoderm with that forming the lower abdominal wall
and genital tubercle.
'''Text-fig. 10.''' Embryo 30 mm. x circa 12. Reconstruction of the ventral surface below the septum
transversum. Dense mesoderm—bla.ck; cloacal membrane—horizonta.l lines; blood vessel-
interrupted horizontal lines. A =crania.l attachment ‘of body stalk; between B and C’ is the extension of the coelom occupied by the midgut loop; D =the caudal attachment of the stalk; G’.t. =gem'tal tubercle. Kl. =cloacal membrane.
===40-mm. embryo===
No history.
The ventral wall again shows the three muscular sheets terminating in the rectus in front.
The increasing thickness of the abdominal wall, well marked in this
embryo, appears to be due to the somatopleure mesoderm rather than the
paraxial myogenic downgrowths. The umbilical cord appears to be sunk in a
depression in the anterior abdominal wall (Pl. VIII, fig. 30), which may be
caused by a failure of the thickening to reach the midventral line owing to
fixation at the umbilicus. The interval between the recti decreases in the more
caudal sections.





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Wyburn GM. The Development of the Infra-Umbilical Portion of the Abdominal Wall, with Remarks on the Aetiology of Ectopia Vesicae. J Anat. 1937 Jan;71(Pt 2):201-31. PMID 17104636

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By George M. Wyburn, M.B., CH.B., F.R.F.P.S.G.

Senior Demonstrator of Anatomy in the University of Glasgow


The umbilical region of the human embryo has at all times attracted much interest as a prolific source of congenital defects and abnormalities, in spite of which, perhaps because of which, there still exists some gaps in our knowledge regarding the method of closure and completion of the belly wall.


An examination of the sections of a human embryo of 4-5 mm. in length (McIntyre II), with a favourable history, and showing the yolk sac with connecting duct, seemed to offer a fruitful field for study. The impossibility of limiting observation to the umbilicus alone was soon apparent, and it became obvious that satisfactory results could only be procured by a more comprehensive survey embracing the whole question of the development of the anterior abdominal wall.


The initial absence of a ventral wall to the embryo is found in all vertebrates with the exception of some of the Amphibia.

In the frog with its small, yolked, holoblastic egg gastrulation is complete—the blastopore forms at the equator with dorsal, lateral and ventral lips and wholly encloses the yolk cells of the vegetative pole. The yolk is thus taken into the body of the embryo and lies in the floor of the gut.


In the Elasmobranchs the large amount of yolk impedes cell division so that segmentation is meroblastic. The resulting blastoderm corresponds to the cells of the animal pole of the frog’s egg. The embryo arises from the posteromedian portion of the blastoderm, so that only the dorsal lip of the blastopore is intra-embryonic, while the lateral and ventral lips, formed of the extra-embryonic blastoderm, grow and enclose the yolk, the resultant sac being outside the body of the embryo to which it is connected by a stalk. Thus at an early stage the embryo is devoid of a ventral wall. The midgut, for a varying period, communicates with the yolk sac by the yolk stalk; this connexion is later obliterated.


In the Gymnophiona the anterior edge and the major portion of the lateral edges of the blastoderm take no part in the formation of the blastopore, and - there is not only an absence of ventral wall, but the yolk remains uncovered.


The embryonic shield of the Amniota, according to J enkinson, is the equivalent of the blastoderm of Gymnophiona. Blastopore formation affects only the shield, there being no true ventral lip. The edge of the extra-embryonic blastoderm grows steadily round the yolk entirely independent of blastopore formation, and finally encloses it at the vegetative pole. The yolk sac is extra-embryonic.


In the chick the enveloping blastoderm is continuous with the false amnion or chorion and is gradually separated from the yolk sac by the encroachment of the extra-embryonic coelom between somatopleure and splanchnopleure.


In placental mammals the egg has undergone loss of yolk and cleavage is accordingly holoblastic. The blastocyst with its surrounding trophoblast and enclosed embryonic material is possibly a modification to meet nutritional and protective requirements. The trophoblast, which from an early stage surrounds the yolk sac, is analogous with, if not the homologue of, the false amnion of the chick. This (the false amnion) is comparable to the extra-embryonic blasto-


derm of the Anamnia which encircles the yolk. The modified form of blastopore formation affects only the fembryonic shield. The embryo is therefore without a ventral wall and the yolk sac is extra-embryonic. The completion and closure of the anterior abdominal wall occurs at a late stage of development in placental mammals.


It is the opinion of Keith that the trophoblast in the human blastocyst can be regarded as the precociously developed belly wall of the embryo. In View of the comparative lack of knowledge of the earliest stages in the formation of the human blastocyst, which acquires in a relatively short time its own salient characteristics, and taking into account the fundamental differences in the early ontogeny of the placental mammals which represent not a simple or common evolutionary plan but rather a great diversity of methods of attaining similar physiological requirements, it seems a hazardous experiment to affix a phylogenetic label to any portion of the human blastocyst.


In the heavily yolked eggs the inert yolk substance is responsible for the partial cleavage and limitation of gastrulation to the more active animal pole. The placental mammals show the early differentiation of the tissues concerned with protection and nourishment, and gastrulation is again much modified.


The absence of a true ventral wall in the early stages and the extra-embryonic position of the yolk sac may perhaps be regarded as a modification incurred by nutritional necessity, which modification could be explained as a concomitant of incomplete and suppressed gastrulation ‘following on the more prolonged embryological phase with its demand for “yolk” or “membranes”.

The anterior abdominal wall in its development falls naturally into three parts—supra-umbilical, umbilical andpinfra-umbilical. The present portion of the work deals with the infra-umbilical abdominal wall.

The Infra-Umbilical Abdominal Wall

This part of the ventral wall cannot be said to exist until the appearance of the genital tubercle with the subsequent development of an interval between the tubercle and lower attachment of the body stalk. In the series examined the interval first becomes apparent in an embryo of 12-5 mm. which shows a well-marked genital tubercle with a narrow dense band of mesoderm between it and the attachment of the stalk. Keibel & Mall give the first appearance of the tubercle as occurring in an embryo of 13 mm. This mesoderm, caudally merging into the genital tubercle and superiorly continuous with the tissue of the stalk, would therefore seem to be the basis of the future infra-umbilical portion of the belly wall.

An endeavour to trace the origin of this mesodermal mass through a series of younger embryos in the Glasgow Collection has involved a consideration of the primitive streak, of the cloacal membrane, of the mesoderm in general, and has led to a study of existing descriptions of early embryos in connexion with the individual points within this question.

Embryo Mcintyre I

The first of the series examined was embryo McIntyre I. Observations on this embryo were published by Bryce (1924), but in his paper particular interest was centred on the more cranial sections of the embryonic shield. The embryo is of the presomite class, having a pronounced ventral curve at the hinder end, a primitiye streak measuring 0-33 mm., the major portion of which occupies the ventral aspect of the caudal flexure, and a total length of 1-4 mm., including the primitive streak.


Bryce is of the opinion that the McIntyre embryo is younger than embryo Gle (Graf v. Spee) and embryo Vull (Eternod), to which it bears a close resemblance and is probably a stage succeeding that of Ingalls in which, however, the disc has the dimensions of 2 x 0-75 mm.


A graphic reconstruction was made of the caudal half of the embryo from sections 109-150 (Text-fig. 1A, B), -the exact position of the sections being indicated on the drawing of the wax models (Pl. I, fig. 1).


Section 146 (P1 I, fig. 3) is placed at the flexure and shows the opening of the archenteric canal. Sections 150—147 are through the region of the caudal bend, consequently there is some difficulty in interpreting the nature of the tissues and it is impossible to discriminate between ectoderm and mesoderm, but from the position it is probable that the section is cut through Hensen’s knot.


Cranial to 146 the sections show the primitive groove and primitive streak on the ventral aspect, i.e. on the caudal portion of the shield which has been bent round ventrally to become continuous with the body stalk.


From sections 145 to 142 (P1. I, fig. 4) the primitive streak appears as a fusion between the ectoderm and mesoderm. The endoderm dorsally is in contiguity with the mesoderm, but there is no distinct fusion of the layers. In the sections cranial to 142 the primitive streak on the ventral aspect has the appearance of mesoderm budding 011' from the ectoderm, more especially from the walls of the primitive groove. The endoderm forms a distinct layer connected to the mesoderm by a few cellular strands. This appearance persists in the next twelve sections, the only change being a gradual deepening of the yolk—sac pocket with consequent approximation of endoderm and ectoderm, and decrease of intervening mesoderm.


Text-fig. l. Embryo McIntyre I. x 100. The numbers refer to the sections. A. Reconstruction of the surface of the caudal portion of the embryonic shield, i.e. the portion bent ventrally to form the tail fold. In the midline is the primitive groove. Area. in which mesoderm crosses the midline is shown in black. B. Reconstruction of a median sagittal section (see Pl. I, fig. 1). Description in text. Ectoderm—interrupted horizontal lines; endoderm—fine stippling; dense mesoderm—black; primitive strea.k—horizontal lines.


Section 130 (P1. II, fig. 5). The primitive groove is still present. The ectoderm forms a thickened cord of cells with the endoderm lying immediately above. There is no intervening mesoderm, but mesoderm is seen extending laterally on each side, separated by an interval from the ectoderm and endoderm. The appearance is that of a cloacal membrane, and extends only over one section.


Sections 129-127 (Pl. II, fig. 6) again show mesoderm between the ectoderm and the endoderm with a gradual flattening out of the primitive groove. The amount of mesoderm between the two layers gradually increases. There is no sign of budding off of the mesoderm from the ectoderm, and while the three layers are in contiguity at the midline this may be in some measure artificial, as both ectoderm and endoderm can be traced as distinct layers while the mesoderm stretches across from side to side between them.


Section 126. There is no primitive groove. The ectoderm seems to be thickened in the midline, forming a plate of cells which at first glance would appear to extend up to and establish contact with the endoderm. On further examination with an apochromatic 4 mm. lens this resemblance to a cloacal plate is found to be due to shrinkage of the mesoderm on each side leaving an apparent space between the “plate” and the mesoderm. Similar spaces can be seen in the mesoderm more laterally as a result of formalin fixation. The ectoderm and endoderm can again be traced as distinct layers across the middle line.


Section 125 (P1. II, fig. 7). Is similar to 126, but the resemblance to a cloacal plate is even more striking.

Sections 124.-120 (Pl. II, fig. 8). Mesoderm is again visible separating the ectoderm and endoderm.

Section 119 (P1. III, fig. 9). The amniotic space between the disc and body stalk is diamond-shaped in the section. From the lower apex a distinct cord composed of a double row of cells can be made out extending down to and establishing contact with the endoderm of the allantois which at this level is oval in section and extending up the cord.


Section 118 (P1. III, fig. 10). The amniotic space is still diamond-shaped. The cord of cells noted in the previous section is not now evident, the amnion and allantois being separated by definite mesoderm. From the upper angle of the space a short process extends up to but does not reach the endoderm of the yolk-sac diverticulum, a single row of mesodermal cells intervening.


Sections 117-109 (Pl. III, fig. 11). The amniotic space gradually diminishes and disappears, the mesoderm of the disc fusing with that of the body stalk, the resultant mass being placed between the endoderm of the yolk sac dorsally and that of allantois ventrally.


Bryce (1924) in the description of the embryo states that the primitive streak extends up to section 117, from which point it is replaced by the cloacal plate connecting the yolk-sac diverticulum with the ectoderm and found up to the commencement of the allantoic duct proper. As before mentioned, in the original description, interest was focused almost entirely on the cranial sections and not on the region now examined.


No evidence of a cloacal plate is to be found in section 117, or those cranial to that; in fact in those sections where the amniotic space is gradually closing in, the ectoderm can be distinguished only with difliculty and ultimately dis- appears entirely.


Definite contact between ectoderm and endoderm is established at two points, viz. sections 130 and 119. The possibility of a cloacal plate in sections 125 and 126 has been rejected because of the alternative explanation of an artefact during fixation. In this embryo there are therefore two points at which an undoubted cloacal membrane can be said to exist. Between these two points mesoderm is continuous on the one hand with that of the primitive streak and on the other with the mesodermal basis of the body stalk.

Regarding these findings there are two questions which occur—(A) the source of the mesoderm of the body stalk; (B) an explanation of the division of the cloacal membrane.

Source of Mesoderm of the Body Stalk

It is firstly necessary that there should be a clear conception of the structure of the primitive streak.


Bryce (1924) states that all three layers are fused over the length of the streak, but while the mesoderm can be observed budding off from the ectoderm, the basal part of which is indistinguishable from that layer, the endoderm, except in the most caudal section where it is not present, preserves its identity and can be traced as a distinct layer across the middle line. There is certainly no interval between the mesoderm and endoderm, but in none of the sections of the primitive streak did there appear to be any actual budding off of mesoderm from endoderm.


Hill & Florian (1931), describing the primitive streak of the “Dobbin” embryo (0-98 mm.), state that the endoderm is clearly visible on the ventral aspect of the streak. Ingalls (1918) in his embryo of 2 mm. describes a considerable interval between the endoderm and the primitive streak, while Heuser (1930), in one of 16 mm., shows the streak as a fusion of ectoderm and mesoderm, the endoderm lying quite free. Debeyre (1912), on the other hand, states of the region of the primitive streak: “ Tout le long de la ligne primitive ou a son niveau on remarkera l’union intime qui existe entre les feuillets.” Florian (1934), from reconstructions of embryos W0, Op. and Fetzer, is of the opinion that in the primitive streak primordium there is a fusion of endoderm and mesoderm in the midline and that this persists for some time, while Rossenbeck (1923), writing on the embryo Peh-Hochstetter, considers the primitive streak as a fusion of ectoderm and mesoderm, the endoderm being separated by an interval from the actual primitive streak.


This disparity in the description of the character of the streak is probably due to variations in its form according to the degree of development, not necessarily corresponding to the size of the embryonic shield; but most observers seem agreed that while there is a fusion of all three layers in the region of Henson’s knot, the actual streak itself is represented by a fusion of ectoderm and mesoderm. Grosser (1927) expresses the opinion that the primitive groove —is due to a sinking of the ectoderm on account of the heavy emigration of mesodermal cells.


The blastocyst of man and higher mammals is characterized by the precocious development of mesoderm, which being in the later stages an angioblastic tissue arises in accordance with the mode of nutrition of the embryo (Bryce).


Of three of the earliest ova showing the embryonic rudiment, in that of Peters (1899) the amniotic and yolk-sac vesicles are separated by mesoderm except in the middle line at the cranial end; in T.B. 1 (1908) there is a considerable interval between the two vesicles which are situated in a cavity already filled with mesenchyme——the unusual distance between the amniotic cavity and the yolk sac may be to some degree artificial; Streeter (1927) in a description of section 4 of the Miller ovum—the sixth section through the rudiment—states that the amniotic and yolk-sac cavities are in a common compartment surrounded by mesenchyme, the ectoderm of the amnion being in contact with the endoderm of the yolk sac with but a narrow intervening cleft. There is, however, some doubt as to what constitutes the yolk sac in the Miller ovum.


Fetzer (1910), describing an embryo of 0-23 mm. in length, states that there is no primitive groove, medullary fold, or neurenteric canal. Nevertheless the yolk-sac endoderm and ectoderm of the shield are separated by a layer of mesenchymal cells passing towards the cranial end and fusing in the midline with the ectoderm. According to Rossenbeck this is undoubtedly the primitive streak.


Graf von Spee, discussing Peter’s ovum, is of the opinion that the anterior and posterior poles of the amniotic and yolk-sac vesicles grow into the solid mesenchyme separating them from the chorion which mesenchyme, acting as a wedge, ultimately completely separates the ectoderm and endoderm except for an area in the midline at the caudal end—the cloacal membrane.

It is now well known that the primary mesenchyme in the human ovum and that of the higher primates makes its appearance long before there is any indication of a primitive streak, thereby differing fundamentally from that in the lower mammals.


Streeter (1927) is of the opinion that this mesenchyme arises either from the inner cell mass during the formation of the segmentation cavity or alternately is split off from the trophoblast. The close relation of the mesenchyme to the trophoblast inclines him to the latter explanation.


Bryce (1924) accepts the former hypothesis and regards the differentiation of the primitive mesenchyme as simultaneous with that of ectoderm and endoderm from the formative ceH mass.


Strahl & Beneke (1910) express the opinion that the primary mesoderm is split off at the morula stage, the ectoderm and endoderm remaining Widely connected in the early stages. Later this connexion is restricted to the primitive streak region.

Hubrecht (1909) finds that in Tarsius the mesoderm of the connecting stalk is derived from a proliferation of the ectoderm at the posterior margin of the shield which Bryce (Quain) suggests is a precocious development of the primitive streak formed later as an extension of this area.


In a history of the primates Hill (1932) shows four stages in the genesis of the body stalk:

  1. Lemur, e.g. Loris, where the mesoderm arises relatively late (blastocyst 3 mm.) and both extra- and intra-embryonic mesoderm are derived from a primitive streak. The mesenchyme of the allantoic outgrowth which is the homologue of the connecting stalk is formed from the primitive streak, arising from its hind end and extending round the cloacal membrane.
  2. In Tarsius the connecting stalk mesenchyme is in the first instance a proliferation of the posterior margin of the shield ectoderm, later being reinforced by a backward extension from the primitive streak.
  3. In “Hapale” embryo there is an area of proliferating mesenchyme at the caudal margin of the shield which Hill suggests corresponds to the precociously developed hinder end of the primitive streak in Tarsius and which in his opinion forms the whole of the primary mesoderm, including that of the stalk. The extra-embryonic mesenchyme is differentiated some considerable time before the appearance of the primitive streak.
  4. The fourth stage is the human embryo.

Florian (1930) has demonstrated the existence of a proliferating area in the posteromedial margin of the shield ectoderm in the embryo Fetzer and believes this to be the source of the stalk mesenchyme and the major portion of the rest of the primary mesenchyme in the human. In a recent publication (1933) he avers to have satisfied himself as to the existence of such a region in the embryos Peters, Werner, and Von Mollendorff’s W0 and Op. This accords with the views of Rossenbeck that in the human the primitive streak forms relatively little of the mesoderm.


It is to be noted that in the embryos of Loris, Tarsius and Selenka’s Kleim S., the ectoderm and endoderm of the rudiment are in contact in the early stages; the duration of contact diminishes as the scale is ascended.


In answer to question A (p. 206) it can therefore be stated that in the human the mesenchyme of the stalk is in all probability derived from a proliferation of the caudal margin of the shield ectoderm, and one can postulate a stage, perhaps transient, when the ectoderm and endoderm are connected in the midline over a considerable extent of the embryonic shield. As seen in the sections of McIntyre I and also demonstrated by Florian (1934) in embryo Beneke (size 0-75 mm.) and by Hill and Florian (1931) in the Dobbin embryo (0.98 mm.), the mesoderm of the primitive streak is continuous round the cloacal membrane with that of the stalk.


As there is no histological diiference between the primary as compared with the secondary mesoderm it is impossible from a study of the sections to say where the one ends and the other begins, but it is reasonable to assume that the mass of mesoderm beyond the cloacal membrane and on the caudal aspect of the stalk is compounded of primary and secondary mesoderm.

Division of the Cloacal Membrane

Until the recent work of Florian, scant attention was given by embryologists to the caudal region of the human embryo. Any semblance of union between the ectoderm and endoderm in the expected region by direct apposition or indefinite cords of cells was designated “cloacal membrane”. The approximation of endoderm and ectoderm with no intervening mesoderm in section 130 of McIntyre I gives the appearance of an undoubted cloacal membrane. Similarly the connecting cord of cells from the amniotic ectoderm to the endoderm of the allantois is clearly demonstrable in section 119. On the other hand, a cursory examination of sections 125 and 126 might lead to their interpretation as cloacal plates, whereas a more careful study shows the impossi- bility of excluding mesoderm intervention.


Section 118 with the cord of cells from the amnion extending almost to the endoderm suggests that at this point former fusion between the two layers is being broken down by a pressing in of mesoderm from each side.


Most observers are agreed as to the difliculty in defining the limits of the cloacal membrane. Hill & Florian (1931), describing the Dobbin embryo, comment on this, more especially the differentiation between the membrane and the primitive streak. Of this region Debeyre (1912) says: “ A son extrémité postérieure comme dans l’embryon de Keibel-Frassi (1907) se trouve l’ébauche d’une membrane cloacale trés probablement au moins (bien que nous ne puissons le vérifier directement sur les coupes).” Much of this difficulty, however, arose from the failure to recognize the incompleteness of fusion in many parts of the “membrane”.


Sternberg (1927), in an embryo of 4 somites, described a fusion of ectoderm and hindgut endoderm, and also separate connexions between amniotic ectoderm and the endoderm of the allantois. Since then similar conditions have been noted in other specimens—Florian (1930) in embryo Bi II (also of 4 somites); Hill and Florian (1931) in the Dobbin embryo; and West (1930), describing an embryo of 8 somites, states that the cloacal membrane is very indefinite, actual contact being established in only two sections.


In the Ingalls (1918) embryo there exists what the author designates as an amnio-allantoic duct characterized by a pocketing of the amniotic cavity towards the allantois with contiguity of ectoderm and endoderm. Rossenbeck (1923), after noting the cloacal membrane as a cord of cells from the ectoderm to the endoderm in the Peh-Hochstetter embryo, in a subsequent paragraph describes an apposition of the dorsal wall of the allantoic passage with the floor of the amniotic cavity.


From a study of McIntyre I, along with the facts available from recent work on this subject, more especially the researches of Florian, I am of the opinion that the primordium of the cloacal membrane is in the early stages relatively extensive, the caudal fusion of endoderm and ectoderm being between the amnion and the future allantois, at this stage not yet separated off from the yolk sac. At a subsequent period the allantoic portion of the connexion is broken down by an extension of the mesoderm in towards the middle line, the chordall part remaining as the site of the permanent cloacal membrane. This undergoes extension later along with the growth of the cloaca and embryo as a whole.


Table I. Table showing extent of cloacal membrane relative to the size of the embryo

Length of embryonic disc Embryo Presomite Cloacal membrane W.O. 0-25 mm. What von Mollendorlf describes as the cloacal (V. Mollendorlf, 1925) membrane is, according to Florian, the primitive streak, and von Mollendorif’s allantois is the cloacal membrane of Florian “Fetzer” 0-26 mm. The cloacal membrane is separated by an interval (Fetzer & Florian, 1930) from the primitive streak T. F. 0-4 mm. The cloacal membrane is a cord of cells which ex- (Florian (1928)) tends on to and connects the allantoic endoderm with the amniotic ectoderm Bi I ? Primitive streak reaches the cloacal membrane Bi 24 0-625 mm. Length 0-06 min. “Hugo” Stieve (1926) 0-635 mm. Length 0-035 mm. “Beneke” 0-75 mm. Cloacal membrane separated by an interval from (Strahl & Beneke, 1910) the primitive streak W.A. 17 0-85 mm. Length 0-13 mm. and extends on to the allantois (Grosser, 1930-1) “Dobbin” 0-98 mm. Length 0-08 mm. (Hill & Florian, 1931) ‘ Peh-Hochstetter 1-4 mm. Cloacal membrane extends well on to allantois Rossenbeck (1923) ' Heuser (1930) 1-6 mm. Cloacal membrane extends well on to allantois Ingalls (1918) 2-0 mm. Length 0-12 mm., and there is an additional con- nexion between the allantoic endoderm and am- niotic ectoderm Somites F. von Orts Llorca 2 Cloacal membrane in two parts—one of which is (1934) allantoic H 3 (Wilson) 2-3 Cloacal membrane at the commencement of al1an- tois Bi II 4 Cloacal membrane broken up—one portion in- volvingallantois Sternberg (1927) 4 Cloacal membrane is in four portions Pfannenstiel-K1-omer 5-6 Very short cloacal membrane extending some distance into the allantois Dandy (1910) 7 Not mentioned Payne (1925) 7 Not mentioned West (1930) 8 Length 0-09 mm. Etemod (1899) 8 Length 0-05 mm. Corner (1929) 10 Cloacal membrane terminates before reaching the allantois Embryo Bl. XI 10 Cloacal membrane terminates before reaching the allantois Pfannenstiel III 13-14 Has trebled its length compared to P£annenstiel- Kramer Heuser (1930) 14 Length 0-18 mm. Atwell (1930) 17 Length 0-18 mm. Extends to the allantois Davis (1924) 20 _ Length 0-16 mm.


Table I is a series of embryos arranged according to size, with, as far as can be obtained, the available data regarding the cloacal membrane.

In the earliest specimens before the appearance of the allantois the fusion of ectoderm and endoderm occurs at the caudal end of the disc cranial to the attachment of the body stalk. In later embryos of the presomite class, in every case the membrane includes the allantois, and this condition remains up to the stage of about 4 somites. At this time the connexion with the amnion is being interrupted by mesoderm, and in the immediately older embryos of about 5-8 somites the cloacal membrane will be relatively much reduced. This is exemplified in the Pfannenstiel-Kromer embryo of 5-6 somites, and may account for its apparent absence in that of Dandy (1910)—7 somites—and Payne (1925)—7 somites. After the 10-somite stage the cloacal membrane seems to undergo proportionate development, although according to Heuser there are variations in its extent which have no relation to the size of the embryo.


The inferences deduced from the table, owing to the small series and lack of mathematical measurements, can only of course be accepted in a broad sense, but are of interest as coinciding with the suggestions made from observations on embryo McIntyre I. It should be noted that in the Dobbin embryo Hill and Florian observed the presence of granules in the cells of the cloacal membrane which in the opinion of Florian are to be regarded as indicative of degeneration of the cells. These granules occurred in the areas of incomplete fusion. F. von Orts Llorca (1934) has demonstrated a very similar condition to that in in McIntyre I in an embryo of 2 somites where he shows the cloacal membrane in two parts, (1) at the junction of allantois and yolk sac, (2) between the amnion and allantois. Regarding the membrane he states: “Da in dieser Gegend zahlreiche absterbende Zellen vorhanden sind, scheint es, dass die Kloakenmembran in friihen Entwicklungsstadien eine grossere Ausdehnung besitzt und dass sie zunachst bis auf das Allantoisdivertikel iibergreift, wahrend spater der der Allantois entsprechende Teil der Kloakenmembran verschwindet und das Mesoderm zwischen das Amnion- und das Allantoisepithel vordringt.”


The terminal point of the primitive streak is still a matter of controversy. In embryo McIntyre I, as already noted, sections 142-131 show the mesoderm distinctly budding off from the ectoderm of the primitive groove, whereas in the sections after the first part of the cloacal membrane, i.e. in 129-119, while the mesoderm and ectoderm are in continuity there is no actual formation of mesoderm. One would therefore infer that the primitive streak terminates at the cloacal membrane.


1 In this paper the portion of the cloacal membrane nearest the body stalk will be designated the “allantoic end”, and the portion most distant from the body stalk the “ chordal end”.


Keibel and Elze express the opinion that the cloacal membrane should be regarded as a modified part of the primitive streak which reaches up to the body stalk. Their views are based on the presence of thickening of the ectoderm which stretches down almost to the allantois. This I would regard as a partially obliterated cloacal membrane and not primitive streak. Grosser (1927) implies that the streak becomes divided, a part growing into the tail bud, and the remainder being represented by the cloacal membrane. He also states that the primitive streak does not appear until the disc is 0-5 mm. long. The cloacal membrane has been shown to exist when the anlage of the primitive streak is represented only by a nodal fusion of all three layers (Florian, 1934). In the same monograph Florian has also demonstrated in E. Beneke and Fetzer an interval between what he regards as the cloacal membrane and the primitive streak in which all three layers are distinct and separate. In the later stages the primitive streak grows down to the cloacal membrane.


The name primitive streak was first given to the appearance observed in the chick embryo, the “streak” being essentially caused by the formation of mesoderm from the ectoderm at that particular region. As there is no meso- derm in the formation of the cloacal membrane it can be assumed that the actual streak as observed in the chick does not include the membrane. Keibel argues that the membrane is a secondary formation, the approximation of the ventral rim of the cloaca and ectoderm pressing the mesoderm from the mid- line. Recent Work has negatived this as the union of ectoderm and endoderm at the caudal end of the shield occurs as early as, if not before, the primordium of the primitive streak.


Grosser (1927) inclines to the view that the ectoderm and endoderm of the embryonic disc are everywhere separated by an interrupted layer of primitive mesoderm, but quotes von Mollendorff’s assertion of a ribbon-like connexion between the layers in the midline caudally which Rossenbeck regards as a connexion from the morula stage.


Strahl & Beneke (1910) express the opinion that the ectoderm and endoderm remain widely connected in the early stages, this connexion being later restricted to the primitive streak region.


Opinion seems unanimous that some degree of contact is maintained in the midline, and it is not unreasonable to conclude that in man as in lower mammals there is continuity along the length of the disc, separation being effected as suggested.


The hypothesis advanced here is as follows. Despite the precocious de- velopment of the primary mesenchyme in the human, it seems reasonable from phylogeny to postulate a stage when the ectoderm and endoderm are in contact in the midline. The appearance of the primordium of the primitive streak representing the fused lips of the blastopore acclaims the formation of secondary mesoderm separating the ectoderm and endoderm in this region.


I nfm-umbilical Portion of the Abdominal Wall 213

The invagination of the dorsal lip with the pushing forward of the head process intervenes between the two layers of the disc cranially. Anterior to the head process the layers remain in contact-—the site of the buccopharyngeal mem- brane.

Caudal to the fused lips of the blastopore and reaching to the attachment of the stalk remains a relatively extensive area of contact, the anlage of the cloacal membrane. The yolk-sac endoderm of the caudal portion of the mem- brane is predestined to become the epithelium of the allantoic diverticulum, and, as suggested above, the ectoderm and endoderm are here later separated by incursions of mesoderm. The cloacal membrane would thus be the homologue of the ventral lip of the blastopore and adjacent area.

From the cranial end of the primitive streak wings of mesoderm extend forwards on each side of the head process gfusing anteriorly in the region of Elie mesodermal field of the protocardial area. Similarly from the caudal end of the streak as seen in McIntyre I, mesodermal processes extend round the cloacal membrane fusing with the stalk tissue in the region of the posterior mesoder- mal field. There would therefore be a close analogy in the development of the poles of the disc, the more rapid progress of the caudal end in the human obscuring many of the features.

The above assumption is compatible with the facts as observed at a later stage of development.

The bearing of these findings and conclusions on the problem of ectopia vesicae will be discussed later.

Description of Embryos from 2-4 to 40 mm

2-4-mm embryo

The next of the Glasgow series to be examined is an embryo of 2-4 mm. in length. This was obtained as a result of abortion, and although seeming for the most part morphologically normal the tissues show some pathological change and the region of the tail fold is abnormal. This and the plane in which the sections were cut forbid any definite statement regarding the position and size of the cloacal membrane.


A photograph of a wax plate model of the embryo is given in P1. III, fig. 12, and it is evident that there is some degree of torsion on a longitudinal axis, the attachment of the stalk and yolk sac being twisted to the right, while the caudal extremity turns to the left.


Section 84 (Pl. I, fig. 2) shows a mesodermal mass on the caudal aspect of the stalk attachment, and the graphic reconstruction of a coronal and sagittal plane give some idea of the extent of this tissue (Text-fig. 2A, B).


It envelops the embryonal end of the stalk, extending for a short distance only into the stalk substance and becoming continuous below with the mesoderm forming the ventral wall of the caudal end. As has been stated, the mesodermal mass is composed of primitive and secondary mesoderm (the secondary mesoderm extending in wing-like processes round the cloacal membrane), the two fusing and forming the tissue seen in the figure, and illustrated in the reconstruction.


It is to be noted that at this stage there is no anterior abdominal wall, the entire ventral aspect below the septum transversum being occupied by the wide communication with the yolk sac and the attachment of the stalk. The allantoic end of the cloacal membrane is some distance from the stalk attachment.

4-5-mm embryo (McIntyre II)

This embryo was obtained following a hysterectomy and sterilization in a case of mitral stenosis and incompetence with a history of cardiac trouble during previous pregnancies. When brought into the Department the Vesicle was perfectly clear and transparent with no magma present. On opening the vesicle the umbilical arteries could be seen actually pulsating. There is therefore every probability of a normal structure, and considerable weight may be attached to the findings in this case.


Text-fig. 2. Embryo 2-4 mm. x50. Numbers refer to the sections. A. Reconstruction of the ventral surface from the septum transversum to the cloacal membrane. B. Reconstruction of a median sagittal section (see P1. III, fig. 12). Description in text. Gut and yolk sac—fine stippling; cloaca and allantois—-large dots; cloacal membrane—-straight lines; dense mesoderm—black; spIanchnopleurt. L—i.nterrupted lines. Between B and 0 the ventral wall is occupied by the mouth of the yolk sac. D. =the level of the caudal attachment of the body stalk.


Pl. VI, fig. 21, is a photograph of a wax-plate reconstruction from which it is observed that the ventral wall is still occupied by the communication with the yolk sac considerably narrowed from that in the 2-4. mm. Below this is the stalk attachment.


The embryo was cut transversely in a cranio-caudal direction, and Text-fig. 3A shows a graphic reconstruction of the ventral surface from the septum transversum to the region of the cloacal membrane. The caudal end is represented straightened out and the approximate position of the cloacal membrane indicated. Text-fig. 3B is a graphic reconstruction in a plane indicated in P1. VI, fig. 21. The cloacal membrane extends over twenty sections, each of 10 p., and has therefore a total length of 0-2 mm. Owing to the direction of the sections and the folding of the caudal end, the distance of the membrane from the stalk attachment cannot be accurately measured, but it is apparent from a study of the reconstruction that the allantoic end of the cloacal membrane is some distance below the lower attachment of the stalk.


Text-fig. 3. Embryo 4-5 mm. (McIntyre II). X50. The numbers refer to the sections. A. Reconstruction of the ventral surface from septum transversum to cloacal membrane. The tail is represented straightened out. B. Reconstruction of median sagittal section (see Pl. VI, fig. 21). The yolk sac is not shown. Description in text. Gut—fine stippling; cloaca and allantois—large dots; dense mesoderm—black; cloacal membrane—horizontal lines; allantoic vesse1s~interrupted horizontal lines; septum transversum—interrupted vertical lines; liver—small circles. The interval between B and 0 is the communication between extra- and intra-embryonic coelom. D=the level of the caudal attachment of the body stalk.


Section 136 (P1. IV, fig. 13) shows the lower attachment of the stalk and the hindgut with its dorsal mesentery. There is no indication of the cloacal membrane, indeed the cloaca itself only comes into view in the more caudal sections.


Pl. IV, fig. 14, is a photograph of section 131 and is the allantoic end of the cloacal membrane. It can be seen that the section is at the head of the tail fold and some distance from the stalk attachment.


Section 138 (P1. IV, fig. 15) is at the caudal limit of the attachment of the stalk. There is a strong mesodermal condensation at the embryonal end of the stalk. Section 144 (P1. IV, fig. 16) is the site of the cranial attachment, and the loose texture of the tissue is apparent in comparison with that in section 138.


This mesodermal condensation at the lower aspect of the stalk, as can be seen from the reconstructions, is continuous with and prolonged into the tissue of the ventral wall below the stalk attachment, extending down to the cloacal membrane. It has increased relatively from the corresponding mass in the 2-4-mm. embryo and represents the primordium of the genital tubercle and ventral parts of the infra-umbilical abdominal wall.


Keibel & Mall give a reconstruction of the embryo Pfannensteil-Kromer of 1-38 mm., showing a cloacal membrane of 0-02 mm. length extending up to the attachment of the stalk, and also a reconstruction of Pfannenstiel III of 2-6 mm.—with a cloacal membrane 0-13 mm. long extending up to and a short distance along the body stalk. Most authors seem to be in agreement with this, including Bryce (Quain’s Anatomy, Vol. 1), Keith and Frazer.

In the embryo just examined there is quite a definite interval between the cloacal membrane and the stalk. In one of his later publications a similar mesodermal separation was shown by Keibel in embryo “EB ”, and has been

demonstrated by Sternberg (1926) in embryo B of 18 somites and embryo F of 4 mm.

The question will be later discussed in relation to the problem of extre- version of the bladder.

7-mm embryo

This specimen was obtained following curettage and cut transversely at 10p. in a cranio-caudal direction. Pl. V, fig. 17, is a drawing of a wax model reconstruction.


Text-fig. 4. Embryo 7 mm. Numbers refer to the sections. A. Reconstruction of the caudal portion of the ventral surface. x circa 50. The tail is straightened out. B. Reconstruction of a median sagittal section. x 25. See Pl. V, fig. I7. Gut———fine stippling; cloaca and allantois— large dots; dense mesoderm—b1ack; cloacal membrane—ho1-izontal lines; mesentery-—interrupted horizontal lines; septum transversum—interrupted vertical lines; liver—small circles; heart and allantoic vessels—crosses. D=the level of the caudal attachment of body stalk.


The cloacal membrane stretches over sixteen sections, giving a total length of 0-16 mm. Section 329 illustrates the chordal end of the membrane, and section 345 the allantoic end (P1. V, figs. 18-20), and it is to be noted that in this specimen there is no membrane as represented by the coaptation of two layers of cells, but rather as a cord or plate of cells several rows thick, the major portion of the plate seeming to be derived from the endoderm. Section 367 is through the caudal attachment of the stalk; the allantoic end of the cloacal membrane is therefore 0-24 mm. from the stalk.


Section 373 (P1. V, fig. 19) affords comparison between the caudal and cranial regions of the body stalk, the former exhibiting a fairly dense mesenchyme around and on the superficial aspect of the vessels, While the latter shows the typical loose texture of stalk tissue.


As can be observed in the graphic reconstruction of a medial sagittal section (Text-fig. 4A, B), the mesodermal condensation in the stalk is continuous with and merges into the dense tissue intervening between the ventral part of the cloaca and the surface. It extends on either side of the cloacal membrane as part of the mesodermal bed of the cloaca.

12.5-mm embryo

This embryo was obtained during operation for a ruptured ectopic preg- nancy, the history of acutehaemorrhage suggesting the recent death of the foetus.

Text-fig. 5. Embryo 12-5 mm. Description in text. A. Reconstruction of ventral surface from septum transversum to cloacal membrane. x circa 12. B. Reconstruction of median sagittal section of same. x 10. Dense mesoderm—black; ventral cloaca and allantois——large dots; cloacal membrane—horizontal lines; blood vessels—obl.ique lines; liver—circles. A =section 675 at the level of the cranial attachment of body stalk; B=section 775; C’ =section 825; interval between B and C’ is the extension of the coelom into the stalk and occupied by mid-gut loop; D=section 875 at the level of caudal attachment of the stalk; GU. =section 888 at the level of the genital tubercle.


It is the first of the series in which the genital tubercle appears, and the small area between the tubercle and the stalk may be said to be the commencement of a true infra-umbilical portion of the abdominal wall.


Section 864 (P1. VI, fig. 23) shows the mesodermal condensation in the lower portion of the stalk and caudal to the vessels. It is becoming more marked and extends laterally to meet the paraxial downgrowth into the abdominal wall.


The relations can be followed from the reconstructions of the ventral wall (Text-fig. 5A) and a median sagittal section (Text-fig. 5B). The condensation can be traced caudally as it passes round the cloacal membrane to fuse with the general mesoderm on each side of the cloaca. It forms the basis of the genital tubercle which carries the membrane on its lower surface. The “infra- umbilical” area extends over eight sections measuring therefore about 0-08 mm.

13-mm embryo

Obtained following abortion, this embryo, despite its greater size, is probably an earlier stage than the preceding. There is no genital tubercle and the tissues of the specimen show pathological changes.

The mesodermal condensation in the caudal portion of the stalk is, however, evident, and reference to the graphic reconstruction (Text-figs. 6A, B) shows again the continuation of this tissue down to and round the cloacal membrane. The allantoic end of the membrane itself is separated by a short interval from the stalk attachment.


Text-fig. 6. Embryo 13 mm. x circa 12. A. Reconstruction of lower ventral surface. B. Reconstruction of median sagittal section of ventral wall. Cloacal membrane—horizontal lines; dense mesoderm—black; ventral eloaca and allant-ois—large dots; l.iver—circles; B=section 910; C‘ =section 954; interval between B and 0 is the extension of the coelom into the stalk and occupied by the midgut loop. D =section 1002 at the level of caudal attachment of the body stalk. Kl. =cloaca.l membrane.

14-mm embryo

Obtained at operation and fixed while still transparent. Before fixation this embryo measured 15-5 mm. The sections were cut transversely.

The sections cranial to the stalk and intestinal loop show the ventral downgrowths from the paraxial mesoderm. These downgrowths exhibit some tendency to divide into strata foreshadowing the muscular layers of the anterior abdominal wall (Pl: VII, fig. 24). Ventrally the wall is completed by mucoid tissue. Caudally the downgrowths from the paraxial mesoderm become less marked until they ultimately disappear entirely, but ventrally the mucoid tissue merges into a mesodermal condensation which in the lower sections is well marked, and at the level of the caudal attachment of the stalk appears as a thick band of tissue on the superficial aspect of the allantoic vessels (Pl. VII, fig. 25). More caudally the band is continuous with the genital tubercle. The extent and relations of the mesodermal mass are shown in the graphic reconstructions (Text-figs. 7A, B). The sections show clearly that the mesodermal condensation of the ventral portion of the infra—uJnbilical abdominal wall is not derived from the paraxial downgrowths, but has a separate origin. This part of the abdominal wall, as represented by the interval between the attachment of the stalk and the genital tubercle, has increased in length as compared with the 12-5-mm. embryo.


Text-fig. 7. Embryo 14 mm. x 10. A. Reconstruction of the ventral surface caudal to the septum transversum. B. Reconstruction of a median sagittal section of ventral wall. Dense meso- derm—b1ack; cloaca and al.lantois——large dots; cloacal membrane-—horizontal lines; liver— circles; blood vessels—interrupted horizontal lines. A =section 872 at the level of cranial attachment of the stalk. B=section 972; 0 =section 1044; interval between B and 0 is the extension of the coelom occupied by the midgut loop. D=section 1052 at the level of caudal attachment of stalk; G.t.=section 1060 at the level of genital tubercle. Kl. =cloacal mem- brane.

16.1-mm embryo

Obtained following abortion.

The sections show the downgrowths from the paraxial mesoderm dividing into three strata.

These persist into the lower portion of the abdominal wall. In the upper sections (Pl. VII, fig. 26) the downgrowths reach about half-way round, but below the stalk they become continuous with the mesodermal thickening which commences on the caudal aspect of the stalk, and inferiorly forms the genital tubercle (Pl. VII, fig. 27). As can be seen from the graphs (Text-fig. 8A, B) this mesoderm forms the increasing infra-umbilical abdominal wall, the genital tubercle, and the tissue between the cloaca and the ventral surface. The cloacal membrane, represented by a deep cleft, is on the caudal aspect of the genital tubercle.


Text-fig. 8. Embryo 16-1 mm. x circa 12. A. Reconstruction of the ventral surface below the septum transversum. B. Reconstruction of a median sagittal section of ventral wall. Dense mesoderm-—black; cloacal memb1‘a.n&—horizontal lines; ventral cloaca and allantois—large dots; liver—circles; blood vessel—interrupted horizontal lines. A =section 1148 at the level of the cranial attachment of the body stalk. B =section 1200. 0 =section 1256. B-C’ =extension of the coelom occupied by the midgut loop. D=section 1272 at the level of the caudal attachment of the stalk. G.t. =section 1292 at the level of the genital tubercle. Kl. =cloacal membrane.

23-mm embryo

No history.

The downgrowths from the dorsal mesoderm are clearly divisible into three strata uniting in front. Above the body stalk the ventral junction is some distance from the midline where the body wall is composed of tissue of loose texture (Pl. VIII, fig. 28). At the level of the body stalk the thickening forming the rectus muscle is visible; the splitting to form its sheath can be dis- cerned. Below the body stalk the rectus sheath runs into a mesodermal mass forming the midventral wall (Pl. VIII, fig. 29). The infra-umbilical abdominal wall has increased considerably from that of the 16-1 embryo.


Text-fig. 9. Embryo 23 mm. x circa 12. A. Reconstruction of the ventral surface below the septum transversum. B. Reconstruction of a median sagittal section of ventral wall. Dense mesoderm—black; cloacal membrane—horizonta1 lines; ventral cloaca and allantois—black dots; liver—circles; blood vessels—interrupted horizontal lines. A =section 825 at the level of the cranial attachment of body stalk. B=section 857 ; 0 =section 913. Between B and 0 is the extension of the coelom occupied by the midgut loop. D=section 921 at the level of the caudal attachment of the stalk. G’.t. =section 977 at the level of the genital tubercle. Kl. = cloacal membrane.


The mesodermal mass forms not only the ventral portion of the abdominal wall but the entire thickness of tissue superficial to the allantois and bladder (Text—fig. 9A, B).

30-mm embryo

Obtained following abortion; sections cut longitudinally. The graph (Text-fig. 10) shows the extent of the mesoderm and P1. VI, fig. 22, is a section almost through the midsagittal plane, demonstrating the

continuity of the stalk mesoderm with that forming the lower abdominal wall and genital tubercle.


Text-fig. 10. Embryo 30 mm. x circa 12. Reconstruction of the ventral surface below the septum transversum. Dense mesoderm—bla.ck; cloacal membrane—horizonta.l lines; blood vessel- interrupted horizontal lines. A =crania.l attachment ‘of body stalk; between B and C’ is the extension of the coelom occupied by the midgut loop; D =the caudal attachment of the stalk; G’.t. =gem'tal tubercle. Kl. =cloacal membrane.

40-mm. embryo

No history.

The ventral wall again shows the three muscular sheets terminating in the rectus in front.

The increasing thickness of the abdominal wall, well marked in this embryo, appears to be due to the somatopleure mesoderm rather than the paraxial myogenic downgrowths. The umbilical cord appears to be sunk in a depression in the anterior abdominal wall (Pl. VIII, fig. 30), which may be caused by a failure of the thickening to reach the midventral line owing to fixation at the umbilicus. The interval between the recti decreases in the more caudal sections.



Cite this page: Hill, M.A. (2024, March 28) Embryology Paper - The Development of the Infra-Umbilical Portion of the Abdominal Wall, with Remarks on the Aetiology of Ectopia Vesicae. Retrieved from https://embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/embryology/index.php/Paper_-_The_Development_of_the_Infra-Umbilical_Portion_of_the_Abdominal_Wall,_with_Remarks_on_the_Aetiology_of_Ectopia_Vesicae

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