A new scenario of the evolutionary derivation of the mammalian diaphragm from shoulder muscles.

ABSTRACT: The evolutionary origin of the diaphragm remains unclear, due to the lack of a comparable structure in other extant taxa. However, recent researches into the developmental mechanism of this structure have yielded new insights into its origin. Here we summarize current understanding regarding the development of the diaphragm, and present a possible scenario for the evolutionary acquisition of this uniquely mammalian structure. Recent developmental analyses indicate that the diaphragm and forelimb muscles are derived from a shared cell population during embryonic development. Therefore, the embryonic positions of forelimb muscle progenitors, which correspond to the position of the brachial plexus, likely played an important role in the evolution of the diaphragm. We surveyed the literature t

SUBMITTER: Hirasawa T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3633340 | biostudies-literature | 2013 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature