Anatomical characteristics of the dental alveoli of the mandible of the fetus in the intermediate fetal period of human ontogenesis

Fundamental research on human fetal anatomy today has serious applied significance for the implementation of the principles of prediction and prevention of congenital pathology. The aim is to give an anatomical characteristic of the dental alveoli of the mandible of the fetus in the intermediate fetal period of human ontogenesis.

Materials and methods. 110 lower jaws of human fetuses of the second trimester of different sex were studied using ultrasound scanning and morphological techniques.

Results. In the body of the mandible, dental alveoli can be visualized using morphological techniques throughout the intermediate fetal period of ontogenesis and by ultrasound scanning from week 19 of intrauterine development in an amount of 8-10. The average sizes of the dental alveoli are 2.2±0.6 mm for medial incisors, 2.3±0.7 mm for lateral incisors, 2.4± 0.7 mm for canines, and 3.3±1.0 mm for molars. Dental alveoli of the lower jaw in fetuses from 14 to 28 weeks of fetal development grow with a growth intensity range of 57.8-83.3%. The incisors and canines change heterochronously from 14 to 23 weeks of gestation with a growth rate of IR=51-52.6%, from 24 to 27 weeks of pregnancy with a growth rate of 34%-34.5%. The dental alveoli of molars are characterized by uniform growth.

Conclusion. The anatomical features of the structure of dental alveoli have been established, which can be used as additional markers for the detection of congenital pathology of the fetus during a screening study of pregnant women. 

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