Search

Objective: We have used micro-computed tomography (CT) to elucidate the relationship between the muscle fibers in specimens with cleft palate. These findings could be useful for muscle reconstruction in cleft palate repair and to better understand cleft palate speech. Design: Cadaveric anatomical study. Participants: This study included three specimens with cleft palate Intervention: The specimens were stained with phosphomolybdic acid and scanned by Micro-CT. Main Outcome Measure(s): The anatomy of the muscles. Results: Using 2D projection images and 3D reconstruction models, subtle anatomical structures could be observed in the muscles. The attachment of the levator veli palatini (LVP) was not at the posterior edge of the hard palate or palatine aponeurosis (PA), but at the anterior 21.71-44.2% of the cleft edge. The palatopharyngeal (PP) was composed of two bundles: inferior and superior heads, which clasped the LVP. The uvularis was unevenly distributed, and located on both sides of the cleft edge, originating at the edge. The palatoglossus, superior constrictor of pharynx and anatomical structure around the pterygoid hamulus, were normal. The PA, PP and LVP were attached to the cleft edge from front to back, in that order. The position of the uvularis was not fixed. Conclusions: With the help of Micro-CT technology, detailed anatomical features and the relationship between muscles could be visualized. In the specimen with cleft palate, muscles in the soft palate were associated with the pharyngeal muscles, which formed the 3D "velopharyngeal muscles complex." These findings provide anatomical evidence for muscle reconstruction in cleft palate repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cleft lip and/or primary palate (CL/P) represent a prevalent congenital malformation, the aetiology of which is highly intricate. Although it is generally accepted that the condition arises from failed fusion between the upper lip and primary palate, the precise mechanism underlying this fusion process remains enigmatic. In this study, we utilized transposase‐accessible chromatin sequencing (scATAC‐seq) and single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) to interrogate lambdoidal junction tissue derived from C57BL/6J mouse embryos at critical stages of embryogenesis (10.5, 11.5 and 12.5 embryonic days). We successfully identified distinct subgroups of mesenchymal and ectodermal cells involved in the fusion process and characterized their unique transcriptional profiles. Furthermore, we conducted cell differentiation trajectory analysis, revealing a dynamic repertoire of genes that are sequentially activated or repressed during pseudotime, facilitating the transition of relevant cell types. Additionally, we employed scATAC data to identify key genes associated with the fusion process and demonstrated differential chromatin accessibility across major cell types. Finally, we constructed a dynamic intercellular communication network and predicted upstream transcriptional regulators of critical genes involved in important signalling pathways. Our findings provide a valuable resource for future studies on upper lip and primary palate development, as well as congenital defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]