A macroscopic and microscopic study of the development of the rat palate including the soft palate.

The development o f the hard and soft palates in rat foetuses was studied macroscopically and micro­ scopically. The development o f the hard palate followed generally accepted lines and the development o f the rat soft palate was described for the first time. This re­ sembled that o f the hard palate except that there was no rotation o f the posterior part o f the palatal shelf. Closure o f the soft palate was very rapid occurring be­ tween 16,16 and 17,16 days p.i. Keratinization o f palatal epithelium was present from the 18th day p.i. as were taste buds and developing mucous glands in the soft palate. The adult configuration o f the soft palate oral epithelium had not been attained by day 21 p.i. suggesting that a further postnatal period o f develop­ ment or adaptation occurs. OPSOMMING