Advances in the understanding of normal diaphragm embryogenesis have provided the
necessary foundation for novel insights into the pathogenesis of congenital diaphragmatic
hernia (CDH). Although diaphragm formation is still not completely understood, we have
identified key structures and periods of development that are clearly abnormal in animal
models of CDH. The pleuroperitoneal fold (PPF) is a transient structure which is the target for
the neuromuscular component of the diaphragm. The PPF has been shown to be abnormal …