Embryological abnormalities

Question 1

What abnormality can form in the sepration of the trachea and oesophagus?

Answer 1

When the oesophagus and trachea don’t separate, they develop a tracheoesophageal fistula (TOF) and oesophageal atresia.

Fistula = an abnormal passage between 2 epithelialized tubes or surfaces
Atresia = a condition in which an orifice or passage in the body is closed or absent

Question 2

What is an abnormal bulboventricular loop?

Answer 2

The heart tube loops to the left side (instead of the right side) so ventricles come to lie facing the right