Embryology and Anatomy of the Chest

Embryogenesis involves cellular transformations, differentiation of germ layer cell lineages with specialized genetic and molecular characteristics, and establishment of functional anatomical relationships, all of which are relevant to later neoplasia, tumorigenesis, metastasis, treatment, and prognosis. In this brief overview of the development of the thoracic viscera and walls, we will concentrate primarily on basic cellular and tissue morphogenesis.