THE PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE MANDIBULA R AND PAROTID-GLAND OF THE CAT

The prenatal development of the cat's mandibular and parotid gland was examined by means of serial section of 36 cat embryos at 14-62 days o f development. Both glands were excised from the epithelium of the pri mitive oral cavity and branched up to day 36 of the branching phase in to a specific connective tissue. This tissue contained besides fine co llagenous fibres, a high amount of proteoglycans. In the subsequent se paration phase, ducts and acini differentiated themselves in primitive lobules which were separated by connective tissue. In the prenatal di fferentiation phase, from about day 50 up to birth, intercalated ducts and striated ducts were formed. In the acini, mucous and serous cells contained different amounts of complex carbohydrates. This secretory component changed shortly before birth.