Incisive suture (fissure) in the human fetus: radiographic and histologic study.
OBJECTIVE
An anatomic study, in man, of the structure commonly known as the incisive suture (sutura incisiva) or incisive fissure has been performed to determine whether this structure belongs to the morphofunctional concept of a facial suture.


METHODS
Eighteen palates of human fetuses of 9 weeks to 29 weeks after conception.


METHODS
Anatomic, radiographic examination of the palate. Histologic study of sagittal and parasagittal sections of the palates (3 mm each).


RESULTS
The histologic aspect is that of a facial suture, with very poor vascularization. This suture is partial, limited laterally by osseous trabeculae.


CONCLUSIONS
This particular suture, whose function in growth of the palatal process of the maxilla is discussed, could represent the phylogenetic vestige of the incisive-maxillary suture present in all nonhuman mammals.
Vacher
C
C
Service de Chirurgie Maxillo-Faciale du Dr J P Lézy, Hôpital Beaujon, 100 Bd Général Leclerc, 92118 Clichy cedex, France.
Sakka
M
M
Dauge
M C
MC
D003393:Cranial Sutures / Q000196:embryology; D005333:Fetus; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D008437:Maxilla / Q000196:embryology; D021362:Palate, Hard / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology*; D011859:Radiography