Craniofacial Development Growth And Evolution

"Over the past twenty years craniofacial biology has been revolutionized by major developments in our understanding of the cellular, molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying embryonic development. Many of these advances have been based on animal models, most notably the fruitfly Drosophila, the chick and the mouse. Since these developmental processes have been highly conserved during evolution, this information is relevant not only to understanding normal human development but also to understanding how genetic mutations produce particular malformations or inherited diseases. This book incorporates these discoveries into traditional morphological description of craniofacial development, and in a form accessible to clinicians with an interest in the head and neck." --book cover.

The accompanying CD-ROM includes the complete text and illustrations from the print volume, as well as three-dimensional movies that show reconstructions of embryos.

Craniofacial development is a multistep and intricate process initially involving a number of inductive interactions that control neural and neural crest development, which are followed by a series of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions that control outgrowth, patterning, and skeletal differentiation. Certain aspects of craniofacial development are unique developmental processes in higher vertebrates. First, in higher vertebrates the cranial neural crest, in contrast to the trunk neural crest, gives rise to the skeletal structures. These skeletal elements include those comprising mem brane bone and secondary cartilage, which with the exception of the clavicle are tissue types found exclusively in the head in higher vertebrates. Second, with the exception of the tongue, the origin of the musculature is distinct from other regions of the body. The body and tongue muscles are formed from the segmented epithelial somites whilst the head musculature is formed from unsegmented paraxial and prechordal mesoderm. Furthermore, the signalling cascades that control myogenic differentia tion appear to be distinct as determined by gene expression and the response of myogenic cells to growth factors. Finally, the neurogenic placodes, which give rise to the sensory organs and some cranial ganglia, are only found in the head. Over recent years, there have been significant advances in our knowledge of the molecular proc esses that control craniofacial development in a number of animal models. This has given insight into the genes that control many aspects of head development from the initial induction of the head to the final stages of differentiation.

Textbook of Craniofacial Growth is a "one stop" guide to craniofacial growth and development, for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The book begins with the basics - biology of bone and cartilage, physiology of bone and craniofacial growth and development. Assisted by comprehensive flow charts and well-illustrated diagrams, the text then examines control mechanisms, development of dentition, temporomandibular joint, mycology, neuromuscular reflexes and the maturation of orofacial functions. Craniofacial anomalies and the influence of genetics on growth are also discussed, guiding students through normal versus subnormal growth.

This volume attempts to provide accessible accounts of these advances in developmental biology for the non-expert, together with contributions from hominid palaeontologists, which aim to bring this developmental perspective to bear on interpretation of the skeletal record of human evolution. This combined approach is, as yet, in its infancy but it is likely that it will impact significantly on palaeoanthropology and palaeontolgy in general.

Craniofacial growth is a complex phenomenon that involves the enlargement and differentiation of hard and soft tissues that are characterized by cephalocaudal and allometric designs. It involves the basic mechanisms underlying the post-natal growth of the cranium. There are two prominent ways in which the basic craniofacial bone pattern is laid during embryonic development. The first method of craniofacial development is a highly coordinated process under a tight genetic control and environmental influence. For managing the patients in the best possible manner, it is essential to understand the primary concepts related with the growth and development of the craniofacial skeleton. The craniofacial skeleton develops naturally as a result of different developmental events, which include brain growth and development, optic pathway development, speech and swallowing development, airway and pharyngeal development, muscle development, and tooth development and eruption. This book is a valuable compilation of topics, ranging from the basic to the most complex advancements in the study of craniofacial development and growth. It will serve as a reference to a broad spectrum of readers.