Histological investigations of the nasal mucosa in human fetuses.

The adult nasal mucosa has been exposed to various external agents and selected physiological conditions. Changes in intranasal airflow influenced the morphological appearance of the mucosa. Studies of agents on the fetal mucosa and its development may contribute to better understanding of the morphology of the nasal mucosa. The authors studied the nasal mucosa of 20- to 26-week-old fetuses using light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Findings showed that this developing nasal mucosa took part in the production and movement of mucus in the nasal cavity.