Embryology of the craniocervical junction and posterior cranial fossa, part II: Embryogenesis of the hindbrain.

Abstract

Although pathology of the hindbrain and its derivatives can have life altering effects on a patient, a comprehensive review on its embryology is difficult to find in the peer-reviewed medical literature. Therefore, this review article, using standard search engines, seemed timely. The embryology of the hindbrain is complex and relies on a unique timing of various neurovascular and bony elements. Derailment of these developmental processes can lead to a wide range of malformations such as the Chiari malformations. Therefore, a good working knowledge of this embryology as outlined in this review of the hindbrain is important for those treating patients with involvement of this region of the central nervous system. Clin. Anat. 31:488-500, 2018. é 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.