Microvascularisation of the lips in the fetus and neonate.

The differences observed in the microvascularisation of the lips in the perinatal period correspond to the differences in the histological structures of the cutaneous, glabra, intermediate cutaneous, villous, intermediate mucosal and mucosal parts. A basic pattern is found in each part: on the surface, a papillary or mucosal network, at a deeper level, reticular or submucosal networks and their pedicles. The vascular changes correspond to the transition of tissue (mucocutaneous junction) and are indicative of the functional aspect. The same histological and microcirculatory structures were found in all the preparations, irrespective of the subject's age. Knowledge of the microvascularisation makes it possible to interpret magnetic resonance imaging of the lip better and finds its application in the surgery of the lips.