Development of the digestive system forms the mesentery proper. The ventral mesentery, located in the region of the terminal part of the esophagus, the stomach and the upper part of the duodenum, is derived from the septum transversum. Growth of the liver into the mesenchyme of the septum transversum divides the ventral mesentery into the lesser omentum, extending from the lower portion of the esophagus, the stomach, and the upper portion of the duodenum to the liver and the falciform ligament, extending from the liver to the ventral body wall. Development of the digestive system The development of the digestive system concerns the epithelium of
Development of the digestive system anterior region (future urogenital sinus). The urorectal septum divides the two regions and breakdown of the cloacal membrane covering this area provides communication to the exterior for the anus and urogenital sinus. The upper part of the anal canal is derived from endoderm of the hindgut. The lower part (one-third) is derived from ectoderm around the proctodeum. Ectoderm, in the region of the proctodeum on the surface of part of the cloaca, proliferates and invaginates to create the anal pit. Subsequently, degeneration of the cloacal membrane establishes continuity between the upper and lower parts of the anal canal. Abnormalities in