Quantitative assessment of the morphology of the pig's head used as a model in surgical experimentation part 2: results of measurements.

We recorded 32 measurements from the surface of the head of healthy pigs at five, 11, 21 and 37 weeks of age. Average absolute growth gains were smallest in the orbit and nose and greatest in the anterior-posterior and circumferential measurements of the head. Average relative increases were smallest in measurements of the orbit and greatest in the circumference of the head and "face". Average absolute growth gain per week was greatest during the second stage (between 11 and 21 weeks of age). Similarities in splanchnocranial growth in humans and pigs were noted, confirming the applicability of these measurements in facial reconstruction research in man.