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Early development of the facial nerve in human embryos at stages 13–15
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Abstract
Study was made on 16 human embryos at developmental stages 13–15 (fifth week). The facial nerve was traced on serial sections made in three planes (sagittal, frontal and horizontal) and stained with routine histological methods and impregnated with silver. In embryos at stage 13 the facial ganglion forms a complex structure with the vestibulocochlear ganglion. It is of fusiform shape in contact with epipharyngeal placode and is located anteriorly and ventrally to the vestibulocochlear ganglion. In embryos at stage 14 the facial ganglion separates from the vestibular and cochlear ganglia and the chorda tympani as the first branch appears. During stage 15 the main trunk of the facial nerve elongates and the greater petrosal nerve originates at the level of the facial ganglion and above the origin of the chorda tympani.
Abstract
Study was made on 16 human embryos at developmental stages 13–15 (fifth week). The facial nerve was traced on serial sections made in three planes (sagittal, frontal and horizontal) and stained with routine histological methods and impregnated with silver. In embryos at stage 13 the facial ganglion forms a complex structure with the vestibulocochlear ganglion. It is of fusiform shape in contact with epipharyngeal placode and is located anteriorly and ventrally to the vestibulocochlear ganglion. In embryos at stage 14 the facial ganglion separates from the vestibular and cochlear ganglia and the chorda tympani as the first branch appears. During stage 15 the main trunk of the facial nerve elongates and the greater petrosal nerve originates at the level of the facial ganglion and above the origin of the chorda tympani.
Keywords
human embryonic period, nervous system, facial nerve
About this articleTitle
Early development of the facial nerve in human embryos at stages 13–15
Journal
Issue
Article type
Original article
Pages
252-257
Published online
2015-05-28
Page views
1166
Article views/downloads
2003
DOI
10.5603/FM.2015.0039
Pubmed
Bibliographic record
Folia Morphol 2015;74(2):252-257.
Keywords
human embryonic period
nervous system
facial nerve
Authors
M. Weglowski
W. Woźniak
A. Piotrowski
M. Bruska
J. Weglowska
J. Sobański
M. Grzymisławska
J. Łupicka
