[On the development of the skin of the digital pulp in the early fetal period (author's transl)].

The skin of the digital pulp is of pathologic as well as of forensic interest. Investigations were made with the scanning electron microscope on the fingers of 27 fetuses to get a new insight into the development of this part of the skin. The formation of the peridermal cells is already striking in this region in the early fetal period. A certain grouping together of these peridermal cells appears to resemble the later developed epidermal ridge. The dermatoglyphics are fully developed by the end of the second trimenon. A more exact time sequence cannot be established due to fluxional transitions and, particularly, to marked individual veriations.