axial patterning

Axial patterning is the process during embryonic development where cells receive signals that determine their position along the main body axes—head-tail (anterior-posterior), back-belly (dorsal-ventral), and side-side (left-right). These signals guide cells to develop into specific structures appropriate for their location, ensuring correct formation of limbs, organs, and tissues. This patterning is influenced by gradients of signaling molecules and gene activity, establishing the body's organized layout and proper spatial arrangement of its parts.