The Growth of the Otic Cavities in the Human Foetus

Abstract

The cavitation of the early otic capsule was studied in a material of 16 human foetuses ranging from 12-125 mm crown-rump length. It was found that synchronously with the vascularization of the periotic tissue a new type of cell appears. This cell is identified as a histiocyte with the ability to chondrolyse. The present work could not confirm previous studies reporting the formation of precartilage and cartilage in the periotic tissue and subsequent dedifferentiation to connective tissue.