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Surface differentiation of the human corneal epithelium during prenatal development

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Abstract

Using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, differentiation of the anterior surface of the corneal epithelium was studied in human embryos and fetuses with a gestation age from 6.4 to 22 weeks. Up to week 6/7 microvilli/microplicae are not often found; they arise in larger amounts beginning in week 7. During week 22, the morphological appearance of the corneal surface is almost adultlike. Antennulae microvillares and microfilaments running axially in microvilli can be found beginning with week 16/17.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Alfried Krupp Labor, Universitäts-Augenklinik, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse 25, D-5300, Bonn, Federal Republic of Germany

    K. Sellheyer & M. Spitznas

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  1. K. Sellheyer
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  2. M. Spitznas
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Sellheyer, K., Spitznas, M. Surface differentiation of the human corneal epithelium during prenatal development. Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 226, 482–488 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02170013

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02170013

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