Development of the parotid gland and its closer neighboring structures in human embryos and fetuses of 19-67 mm CRL

Abstract

The fetal development of the human parotid gland was studied by means of serial sections of human embryos and fetuses ranging from 19 mm to 67 mm CRL. Analysis of computer assisted 3-dimensional reconstructions and anatomical drawings leads to the following observations: 1. The parotid gland anlage is found at the most lateral and cranial point of the sulcus buccalis. 2. The location of the orifice of the parotid duct is dependent upon the developmental processes of the fetal skeleton. 3. The anlagen of anatomical structures dominating the parotid bed in the adult are found prior to the enlargement of the parotid gland. 4. The surface of the parotid gland shows impressions of the surrounding structures. 5. There is no evidence that the parotid gland is subdivided into two lobes by the facial nerve.