Histological Changes of the Mandibular Condyle in the Human Fetus at Early Stages of Gestation

Abstract

Histochemical studies on the mandibular condyle of the human fetus at gestational ages 12, 14, and 16 weeks were performed. Methods . Histological sections were stained with Schiff’s periodic reaction for glicoproteins, hematoxiline eosine detects mesenchymal tissue and trichhromic stain for collagen. The ANOVA one-way test was used to evaluate the differences during stained zones in the three fetus groups. Results . The percentage of glycoproteins and mesenchymal tissue was denser at 12 weeks. This percentage decreases at 14 weeks and is less at 16 weeks. An increase in the amount of collagen in the studied weeks was observed. The percentages of glycoproteins, mesenchymal tissue, and collagen were significantly different; f = 4373, 9624.8, and 3674, P < 0.0001 for the three studied groups. Conclusion . The endochondral bone formation of the mandibular condyle includes modifications of the quantities of glycoproteins, mesenchymal tissue, and collagen.