Microvascularisation of the raphe buccalis in edentulous subjects, fetus, new-born and adult

The aim of this study is to describe the microvascularisation of the raphe buccalis located at the inner surface of the cheek. The raphe buccalis is t he zone where the maxillary and mandibulary prominences fuse in the embryo during the second month of life. This study was conducted using heads from edentulous subjects, fetuses, newborns and adults, injected with Indian ink in agar, then dissected or sectioned in the three basic planes. The vascul ar networks of the raphe buccalis are as followed: a deep reticular network , a superficial reticular network and a papillary network. The microvascula risation of the raphe buccalis classifies it as a continuation of the commi ssure of the mouth and of the mucosa of the cheek.