[The mandibular condyle. The prenatal evolutionary process].

Fourteen prenatal maxillary condyles were studied from 66 to 305 mm. vertex-coxa, making slides with different orientation and using several staining techniques. The most significative characteristics were described in the different ages. The lining connective tissue increased its thickness but not change appreciably its structure. The mesenchymal layer, generating cells, maintained its character, but its columnar invaginations observed early were getting more tense as its age increased. The cartilage without typical isogeneic groups and few intercellular substance, decreased as substituted by osteoid trabeculae observing few osteoclasts. In the subchondral area, the difference between the columnar mesenchyma and haematogenous narrow was outstanding.