EMBRYOLOGY – PAST QUESTIONS (2005-17)

(Compiled by Shahroze Ahmed, N-66, Nishtar Medical University)

BODY CAVITIES, MESENTERY & DIAPHRAGM

1. How does the diaphragm develop?
2. What are the embryonic components from where the diaphragm develops?
3. What is the embryological basis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia?
4. What is the correlation between positional changes and innervation of
diaphragm?

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
1. Discuss the embryological basis of annular pancreas.
2. Give the development of stomach.
3. Give the extent and axis of rotation of stomach.
4. Give the effect of this rotation on development and nerve supply of stomach.
5. What is congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis?
6. Give the formation/components of left margin of lesser sac.
7. Give the axis and extent of changes of midgut loop within the umbilical cord.
8. Describe Ileal/Meckel’s diverticulum.
9. Describe the development of anal canal explaining its blood supply and nerve
supply.
10. Enlist the differences in embryological origin, arterial supply, venous drainage
and nerve supply of anal canal above and below the pectinate line.
11. Give reasons for internal hemorrhoids being painless.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
1. What is the embryological basis of Respiratory Distress Syndrome/Hyaline
Membrane Disease?
2. Why is this called Hyaline Membrane Disease?
3. What steps can be taken to prevent Hyaline Membrane Disease and its
severity?

CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
1. Give the developmental steps in the formation of inter-atrial septum.
2. What changes occur after birth to avoid a patent foramen ovale?
3. Give the formation and ultimate fate of aortic arch system.
4. Enumerate the development of different segments of inferior vena cava.
5. Name the main fetal vascular shunts and vessels and mention their adult
derivatives.
6. Give a brief account of the development of the interventricular septum of
heart.
7. What is the most congenital malformation of the heart?
8. Enumerate the congenital heart defects which constitute the Fallot’s tetralogy.
9. Enlist classical defects present in tetralogy of Fallot, mentioning their
embryological basis.
10. Name different parts of aorta and give development of each part.

HEAD & NECK

1. Describe the development of tongue with special reference to its nerve supply.
2. What is pharyngeal apparatus?
3. Name the derivatives of pharyngeal arches.
4. What are pharyngeal pouches?
5. Mention the derivatives of pharyngeal pouches in a tabulated form.
6. Name the facial prominences that surround the stomodeum at the end of 4 th
week. Write their derivatives.
7. Name the facial prominences. How these contribute to formation of face?
8. Write the components of a pharyngeal arch.
9. What are causes of craniofacial anomaly?
10. Give the salient features of Pierre-Robin syndrome.
11. Describe briefly the development of thyroid gland. Also mention the related
congenital anomalies.
UROGENITAL SYSTEM
1. What is an indifferent gonad?
2. How does an indifferent gonad develop into an ovary?
3. Describe briefly the development of permanent kidney.
4. Give the embryological basis of horse-shoe kidney.
5. Explain the structures that develop from the mesonephric ducts in females.
6. What is exstrophy of bladder?

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

1. How neural tube is developed?
2. Explain the histogenesis leading to development of the spinal cord. Mention
positional changes in spinal cord till adult age.

EAR
1. What is the tubotympanic recess and what is its fate?
2. From where does the tympanic membrane develop?

EYE
1. What is the embryological basis of congenital cataracts?
2. Explain the development of the lens.
3. Enlist the congenital anomalies of the lens.
4. What are the causes of congenital cataracts?