The embryonic and fetal development of the orbit comprises a series of sequential
events, starting with the fertilization of the ovum and extending until birth.
Most of the publications dealing with orbital morphogenesis describe the
sequential development of each germinal layer, the ectoderm with its
neuroectoderm derivative and the mesoderm. This approach provides a clear
understanding of the mode of development of each layer but does not give the
reader a general picture of the structure of the orbit within any specified time
frame. In order to enhance our understanding of the developmental anatomy of the
orbit, the authors have summarized the recent developments in orbital
morphogenesis, a temporally precise and morphogenetically intricate process.
Understanding this multidimensional process of development in prenatal life,
identifying and linking signaling cascades, as well as the regulatory genes
linked to existing diseases, may pave the way for advanced molecular diagnostic
testing, developing minimally invasive interventions, and the use of
progenitor/stem cell and even regenerative therapy.
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