Dorsoventral

Dorsoventral refers to the orientation of an organism or part of an organism. It is a term used in anatomy and embryology to describe the positioning of structures in relation to the back (dorsal) and belly (ventral) sides of an organism.

Definition

The term "dorsoventral" is derived from two Latin words: "dorsum" meaning back, and "venter" meaning belly. In the context of anatomy and embryology, dorsoventral refers to the orientation of an organism or part of an organism in relation to its back (dorsal) and belly (ventral) sides. This is one of the three main body axes, the others being the anteroposterior axis (front to back) and the left-right axis.

Dorsoventral Axis in Different Organisms

In humans and other vertebrates, the dorsoventral axis runs from the back (dorsal) to the belly (ventral). However, in invertebrates such as insects, the dorsoventral axis is reversed, with the ventral side being equivalent to the back in vertebrates.

Vertebrates

In vertebrates, the dorsal side is typically the side with the spinal column, while the ventral side is the side with the belly. The dorsoventral axis is important in the development of the nervous system, with the dorsal side giving rise to sensory neurons and the ventral side giving rise to motor neurons.

Invertebrates

In invertebrates, the dorsoventral axis is reversed compared to vertebrates. The ventral side is equivalent to the back in vertebrates, and is typically the side with the nervous system. The dorsal side is equivalent to the belly in vertebrates.

Dorsoventral Patterning

Dorsoventral patterning is a key process in embryonic development, determining the differentiation of cells along the dorsoventral axis. This process is regulated by a variety of signaling molecules and transcription factors, including the Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) and the Decapentaplegic (Dpp) pathway in Drosophila.

See Also

• Anteroposterior axis
• Left-right axis
• Embryonic development
• Bone Morphogenetic Proteins
• Decapentaplegic

Dorsoventral Resources
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