Microvascularization of the mucocutaneous junctions of the head in fetuses and neonates.

The mucocutaneous junctions of the head (oral, nasal and palpebral) are transitional zones between the integuments and the mucosa. Their microvascularization is studied in the heads of fetuses and neonates by injection of agarized China ink into the vascular system. These zones are situated deep with respect to the free edge of the oral or nasal cavity or relative to the free margin of the eyelid. They present cutaneous-type microvascularization with a papillary network and reticular networks. Long capillary loops connected to the deep reticular network are their main feature. In the lips and eyelids, the morphology of the networks and their relationship with the orbicular muscles are suggestive of a functional structure. Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel