[Early embryonic formation of the human vomeronasal organ]

We studied the origin and development of the vomeronasal system in early human embryos of 10-18 mm crown-rump length under normal and pathological conditions. The formation of the vomeronasal organ from the vomeronasal groove and placode in a 10-mm embryo is described. We propose that the vomeronasal cavity originates in the schizocoel way. We studied the development of the vomeronasal and olfactory nerves. Attention is paid to the development of the nasolacrimal duct and the epithelial plug. The possible use of the vomeronasal system by embryos during the first seven weeks of development is discussed.