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Prenatal human cranial development evaluated on coronal plane radiographs
1Institute of Orthodontics, Royal Dental College, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Insights
This study analyzes prenatal cranial base development in the coronal plane, identifying distinct maturation patterns in the sphenoid corpus. The findings aid in diagnosing prenatal and neonatal cranial malformations.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Developmental Biology
- Radiology
Background:
- Prenatal cranial base development is crucial for craniofacial structure.
- Previous research focused on horizontal and sagittal planes.
- Understanding coronal plane development provides a comprehensive view.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze prenatal cranial base development in the coronal plane.
- To integrate coronal plane findings with existing data on horizontal and sagittal planes.
- To define developmental stages and maturation patterns.
Main Methods:
- Dissection and microscopic examination of fetal cranial base tissue blocks.
- Radiographic analysis of fetal specimens.
- Correlation of developmental stages with fetal size and maturation parameters.
Main Results:
- Five distinct stages of prenatal cranial base development were defined.
- Two maturation patterns were identified in the sphenoid corpus.
- Canal structures, remnants of the craniopharyngeal canal, were observed in specific specimens.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal cranial base development in the coronal plane exhibits specific patterns.
- The radiographic method is effective for diagnosing prenatal and neonatal cranial malformations.
- This research contributes to a holistic understanding of cranial base maturation.
Abstract:
The purpose of the present investigation has been to analyse prenatal cranial base development in the coronal plane and to combine the findings with results in former reports on cranial base maturation estimated in the horizontal and sagittal planes. The study is based upon cranial bases of 26 human fetuses from the first half of the prenatal period. Fetal coronal plane cranial base tissue blocks were dissected, radiographed, and sectioned for microscopic examination. Five stages in cranial base development are defined and related to general parameters for fetal size and fetal maturation. Two different maturation patterns were recognized in the sphenoid corpus. Canal structures, remnants of the craniopharyngeal canal, were observed in specimens showing bilateral centers of ossification in the sphenoid corpus. The radiographic method used is easy to record and recommended for diagnosing prenatal and neonatal cranial malformations.