Dental Embryology: Development of the Orofacial Complex

These flashcards cover the key vocabulary and concepts related to the development of the orofacial complex as discussed in dental embryology.

Embryonic Stages

The stages of human development categorized as Germinal Stage, Period of the Embryo, and Period of the Fetus.

Germinal Stage

The first stage of development from fertilization to 2 weeks of gestation.

Ectoderm

The outermost germ layer, which develops into skin and nervous system.

Mesoderm

The middle germ layer, which develops into muscle, bone, and connective tissue.

Endoderm

The innermost germ layer, which develops into the gastrointestinal tract and associated organs.

Stomodeum

The primitive mouth, recognized at 27-29 postovulatory days.

Frontonasal Process

The single process forming the forehead and bridge of the nose.

Maxillary Processes

Paired processes that form the upper lip and parts of the face.

Mandibular Processes

Paired processes that form the lower jaw (mandible).

Oropharyngeal Membrane

A membrane that separates the oral cavity from the digestive tract during early development.

Cleft Lip

A condition where the medial nasal process and maxillary process do not fuse, forming a split in the upper lip.

Intermaxillary Segment

Formed from the fusion of paired medial nasal processes; develops into the maxillary incisors and primary palate.

Palatal Development

The process involving the formation of primary and secondary palates from embryonic structures.

Primary Palate

Formed from the fusion of two medial nasal processes, will become the anterior 1/3 of the final palate.

Secondary Palate

Formed from the maxillary processes, will become the posterior 2/3 of the final palate.

Pharyngeal Arches

U-shaped structures from which face and neck structures develop; includes first (mandibular), second (hyoid), etc.

Trigeminal Nerve

Nerve that supplies sensation to the face and motor function to the muscles of mastication.

Facial Nerve

Nerve responsible for facial expressions and sensations of taste.

Palatal Shelves

The structures that fuse to form the secondary palate.

Cleft Palate

A condition caused by fusion failure of the palatial processes that can occur alongside a cleft lip.