Development of the submandibular gland and its closer neighboring structures in human embryos and fetuses of 19-67 mm CRL.

The fetal development and arrangement of the human submandibular gland was studied by means of serial sections of human embryos and fetuses ranging from 19 mm to 67 mm CRL. Computer assisted 3-dimensional reconstruction leads to the following observations: 1. The orifice of the submandibular duct is located in the medial paralingual sulcus. 2. There is evidence that the extension and location of WHARTON's duct is influenced by the surrounding structures. 3. The surface of the submandibular gland primordium shows impressions of the neighboring structures. 4. The glandular tissue is encapsulated in condensed mesenchyme.