Which congenital anomaly results from incomplete separation of the trachea and esophagus during embryonic development?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option A
The correct answer is Tracheoesophageal fistula.
- During embryonic development, the trachea and esophagus originate from a common foregut tube.
- Normally, these structures separate completely through the formation of a septum, resulting in two distinct tubes—the respiratory tract and the digestive tract.
- However, in certain congenital anomalies, there is incomplete separation or abnormal connection between the trachea and esophagus.
- In tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), there is an abnormal communication (fistula) between the trachea and esophagus.
- This leads to problems such as aspiration, coughing, choking during feeding, and recurrent respiratory infections because food or saliva can pass from the esophagus into the trachea and lungs.
- While esophageal atresia often occurs together with TEF and represents a discontinuity or blind-ending esophagus, it specifically refers to the esophagus not forming a complete lumen.
- On the other hand, laryngomalacia is a condition related to floppy laryngeal cartilage causing airway obstruction, and congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a defect in the diaphragm allowing abdominal contents to herniate into the thorax—both unrelated to tracheoesophageal separation.
To summarize:
- The key embryological defect is incomplete separation of trachea and esophagus from the foregut.
- This results in tracheoesophageal fistula, which may cause significant feeding and respiratory complications.
Reference: Robbins Basic Pathology, 10th Edition, Chapter 2: Congenital Malformations, Page 98
- During embryonic development, the trachea and esophagus originate from a common foregut tube.
- Normally, these structures separate completely through the formation of a septum, resulting in two distinct tubes—the respiratory tract and the digestive tract.
- However, in certain congenital anomalies, there is incomplete separation or abnormal connection between the trachea and esophagus.
- In tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), there is an abnormal communication (fistula) between the trachea and esophagus.
- This leads to problems such as aspiration, coughing, choking during feeding, and recurrent respiratory infections because food or saliva can pass from the esophagus into the trachea and lungs.
- While esophageal atresia often occurs together with TEF and represents a discontinuity or blind-ending esophagus, it specifically refers to the esophagus not forming a complete lumen.
- On the other hand, laryngomalacia is a condition related to floppy laryngeal cartilage causing airway obstruction, and congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a defect in the diaphragm allowing abdominal contents to herniate into the thorax—both unrelated to tracheoesophageal separation.
To summarize:
- The key embryological defect is incomplete separation of trachea and esophagus from the foregut.
- This results in tracheoesophageal fistula, which may cause significant feeding and respiratory complications.
Reference: Robbins Basic Pathology, 10th Edition, Chapter 2: Congenital Malformations, Page 98
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