title: Surface differentiation of the human corneal epithelium during prenatal development.
abstract: Using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, differentiation of the anterior surface of the corneal epithelium was studied in human embryos and fetuses with a gestation age from 6.4 to 22 weeks. Up to week 6/7 microvilli/microplicae are not often found; they arise in larger amounts beginning in week 7. During week 22, the morphological appearance of the corneal surface is almost adultlike. Antennulae microvillares and microfilaments running axially in microvilli can be found beginning with week 16/17.
authors.affiliation: Alfried Krupp Labor, Universitäts-Augenklinik, Bonn, Federal Republic of Germany.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sellheyer
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Spitznas
mesh_terms: D003315:Cornea / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004848:Epithelium / Q000196:embryology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning