[Histological study of synchondroses and of the nasal capsule in the human fetal cranium].

The aim of this paper is to describe the development and growth of the middle-line cranial base synchondrosis and nasal septal cartilage of human fetuses. The sample consisted of 25 human fetuses aged from 9 weeks to 6 months. The samples were decalcified and processed in paraffin. Sections were cut at 10 mu and stained with Mallory staining. Histomorphological observation pointed out the presence and development of cranial base synchondrosis and nasal septal cartilage. As far as synchondrosis cell zone layers in endochondral growth sites are described moreover a caudorostral gradient in growth rate was observed. Functional connexions between the cartilaginous nasal capsule and the developing maxillae and premaxillae have been examined. The main connection was found to consist of the anterior septopremaxillary ligament running from the anterior border of the nasal septum posteroinferiorly to blend with premaxillary periosteum and interpremaxillary suture.