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Review
. 2013 Sep;280(17):4026-35.
doi: 10.1111/febs.12274. Epub 2013 May 7.

Development of the diaphragm -- a skeletal muscle essential for mammalian respiration

Allyson J Merrell  1 , Gabrielle Kardon
Affiliations
Review

Development of the diaphragm -- a skeletal muscle essential for mammalian respiration

Allyson J Merrell et al. FEBS J. 2013 Sep.

Abstract

The mammalian diaphragm muscle is essential for respiration, and thus is one of the most critical skeletal muscles in the human body. Defects in diaphragm development leading to congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDH) are common birth defects and result in severe morbidity or mortality. Given its functional importance and the frequency of congenital defects, an understanding of diaphragm development, both normally and during herniation, is important. We review current knowledge of the embryological origins of the diaphragm, diaphragm development and morphogenesis, as well as the genetic and developmental aetiology of diaphragm birth defects.

Keywords: CDH; congenital diaphragmatic hernia; development; diaphragm; muscle; tendon.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Major components of the adult diaphragm.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Embryonic sources of the diaphragm. Mouse E12.5 developing diaphragm. Diaphragm develops from the septum transversum, pleuroperitoneal folds, and the somites and is innervated by the phrenic nerve.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Major types of congenital diaphragmatic hernias.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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