RT Journal Article
T1 A temporary disc-like structure at the median atlanto-axial joint in human fetuses
A1 Sakanaka, Koichiro
A1 Yamamoto, Masahito
A1 Hirouchi, Hidetomo
A1 Kim, Ji Hyun
A1 Murakami, Gen
A1 Rodríguez Vázquez, José Francisco
A1 Abe, Shinichi
AB During observations of mid-term and late-stage fetuses, we found a joint disk-like structure at the anterior component of the median atlanto-axial joint. At mid-term, the disk-like structure was thick (0.1–0.15 mm) relative to the sizes of bones surrounding the joint. However, it did not completely separate the joint cavity, and was absent in the inferior and/or central part of the cavity. This morphology was similar to the so-called fibroadipose meniscoid of the lumbar zygapophysial joint that is usually seen in adults. In mid-term fetuses, there was evidence suggesting that a mesenchymal tissue plate was separated from a roof of the joint cavity. In late-stage fetuses, the thickness (less than 0.15 mm) was usually the same as, or less than that at mid-term, and the disk-like structure was often flexed, folded and fragmented. Therefore, in contrast to the zygapophysial meniscoid as a result of aging, the present disk-like structure was most likely a temporary product during the cavitation process. It seemed to be degenerated in late-stage fetuses and possibly also in newborns. Anomalies at the craniocervical junction such as Chiari malformations might accompany this disk-like structure at the median atlanto-axial joint even in childhood.
PB Korean Association of Anatomists
SN 2093-3665
YR 2019
FD 2019
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/109136
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/109136
LA eng
NO Sakanaka K, Yamamoto M, Hirouchi H, Kim JH, Murakami G, Rodríguez Vázquez JF, Abe SI. A temporary disc-like structure at the median atlanto-axial joint in human fetuses. Anat Cell Biol. 2019 Dec;52(4):436-442. doi: 10.5115/acb.19.128
NO JSPS KAKENHI
DS Docta Complutense
RD 12 abr 2025