Microvascularization of the Mucocutaneous Junctions of the Head in Fetuses and Neonates

Abstract

The mucocutaneous junctions of the head (oral, nasal and palpebral) are transitional zones between the integuments and the mucosa. Their microvascularization is studied in the heads of fetuses and neonates by injection of agarized China ink into the vascular system. These zones are situated deep with respect to the free edge of the oral or nasal cavity or relative to the free margin of the eyelid. They present cutaneous-type microvascularization with a papillary network and reticular networks. Long capillary loops connected to the deep reticular network are their main feature. In the lips and eyelids, the morphology of the networks and their relationship with the orbicular muscles are suggestive of a functional structure.

Intraoperative Vascular Anatomy, Arterial Blood Flow Velocity, and Microcirculation in Unilateral and Bilateral Cleft Lip Repair

“…This network is fed by collaterals of the superior labial artery and is therefore related to the circulation in the lip muscle. 21,22 Hemodynamic forces are key elements for the remodeling of the vascular network after acute arterial occlusion. In arteriogenesis, shear stress induces the recruitment of arteriolar collaterals, which in turn differentiate into new arteries.…”