Illustrated review of the embryology and development of the facial region, part 1: Early face and lateral nasal cavities.

The early embryological development of the face has been reviewed. One repeating theme to note is the serial closing and then the re-opening of a space. This is seen in the separation of the nasal and oral cavities, the nostrils, and in part 2 the developing eyelids fusing and then re-opening. Part 2 will discuss the further facial development as well as the changes in facial bone appearance after birth.