The ultrastructural development of the surface belonging to the epithelium-connective tissue interface of the hard and soft palatine mucosa of mouse was studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy and high voltage transmission electron microscopy methods. The tissues were analysed at 18 days of gestation, and, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 30 and 90 days after birth. The three-dimensional architecture of the connective tissue in the lamina propria showed different shapes. The papillae began to form on days 7 and 14 but continued to growth until the adult period. Different stages of primary and secondary connective tissue papillae were recognized in the hard palatine mucosa whereas the soft palate showed erect connective tissue papillae, small round formations containing taste buds and several openings of the salivary glands ducts.
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