Frontonasal prominence

Frontonasal prominence is a structure that forms during the embryonic development of vertebrates. It is one of the five facial prominences, along with the maxillary prominence and the mandibular prominence, that contribute to the formation of the face. The frontonasal prominence is responsible for the development of the forehead, the bridge of the nose, and the medial and lateral nasal prominences.

Development

The frontonasal prominence begins to form during the fourth week of embryonic development. It arises from the neural crest cells, which migrate from the neural tube to the frontonasal region. The frontonasal prominence is initially a single, unpaired structure located in the middle of the face, above the developing mouth.

As development progresses, the frontonasal prominence divides into two medial nasal prominences and two lateral nasal prominences. This division is caused by the formation of the nasal pits, which eventually become the nostrils. The medial nasal prominences merge to form the bridge and septum of the nose, while the lateral nasal prominences form the sides of the nose.

Clinical significance

Abnormal development of the frontonasal prominence can lead to a variety of congenital anomalies, including frontonasal dysplasia, a condition characterized by a broad, flat nose and widely spaced eyes. Other potential anomalies include cleft lip and cleft palate, which can occur if the frontonasal prominence fails to merge properly with the maxillary prominences.

See also

• Facial development
• Pharyngeal arch
• Neural crest