Microvascularisation of the lips in the fetus and neonate

The differences observed in the microvascularisation of the lips in the per inatal period correspond to the differences in the histological structures of the cutaneous, glabra, intermediate cutaneous, villous, intermediate muc osal and mucosal parts. A basic pattern is found in each part: on the surfa ce, a papillary or mucosal network, at a deeper level, reticular or submuco sal networks and their pedicles. The vascular changes correspond to the tra nsition of tissue (mucocutaneous junction) and are indicative of the functi onal aspect. The same histological and microcirculatory structures were fou nd in all the preparations, irrespective of the subject's age. Knowledge of the microvascularisation makes it possible to interpret magnetic resonance imaging of the lip better and finds its application in the surgery of the lips.