The embryonic development of the human lamina cribrosa.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the embryonic development of lamina cribrosa of human eyes.

METHODS

The lamina cribrosa of 291 eyes were studied including 260 eyes taken from embryos and fetus of 7 weeks to full term and 31 eyes from infants under 1 year of age by using light microscopy (LMS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

RESULTS

From observations, it was found that the development of the lamina cribrosa was lagged behind the development of the optic nerve.

CONCLUSIONS

In eyes taken from embryos or fetus less than 4 months of pregnancy, only ectodermal primordium of the lamina cribrosa could be seen. The initial scleral part of the lamina cribrosa began its formation in the 5th month of fetus. The fibrous tissue originating from the choroid and optic nerve sheath contributed to the formation of the lamina cribrosa in the 8th month fetus. At this time, the morphology of the lamina cribrosa is similar to that of an adult, however the thickness of the structure is still getting increased up to one year after birth.