MECKELS CARTILAGE IN THE HUMAN EMBRYO AND FETUS

This work studied the development of the ventral part of Meckel's cart ilage in a series of human embryos (classified in stages) and fetuses. These stages appeared particularly important: stage 16, appearance of Meckel's cartilage; stage 20, beginning of membranous ossification of mandible; and stage 23, end of the embryonic period (8th week). The p rimitive bony nodule which develops from the embryonic mesenchyme appe ars as a double bony layer forming a groove containing the neurovascul ar bundle, into which the dental lamina is also invaginated. It was co ncluded that during the fetal period, the cartilage participates in th e formation of the body of the mandible in an area close to the mental foramen via endochondral ossification. The cartilage disappears in pa rallel with the development of ossification by the sixth month. (C) 19 94 Wiley-Liss, Inc.