Background: The aim of this work is to clarify the aspects which are at present most controversial about the development of the anterior segments of Meckel's cartilage, such as the role of and determination of the area that is incorporated in the development of the human mandible. Methods: Light microscope studies were done on 25 embryos and human fetuses from the collection of the Institute of Embryology at the University Complutense of Madrid and the Department of Morphological Science from the University of Granada. Specimen length was between 18 and 125 mm crown-rump.
Results: During the embryonic period, Meckel's cartilages were placed in the midline of the mandibular arch but fusion was not observed between them. Ossification of Meckel's cartilage begins at the end of the embryonic period and is completed in the fetal period and the portion that participates in mandibular formation is determined. This segment extends from the mental foramen to near the midline of the mandible. In this region, on the dorsal surface of the symphysis, cartilaginous nodules that originate from Meckel's cartilage are isolated.
Conclusions: The ventral portions of Meckel's cartilage do not fuse in the midline of the mandibular arch. These present endo-and perichondral ossification and the section from the mental foramen to near the midline (mandibular symphysis) participates in mandibular formation. The ventral ends of Meckel's cartilage, i.e., the ends nearest the midline, do not ossify and remain isolated on the dorsal surface of the fetal mandibular symphysis.