Vessels and Nerves

Key concept

Vascular structures in the skin are formed in situ from endothelial cells which differentiate from primitive mesenchymal cells and aggregate into tubular structures. In contrast, the nerves grow into the developing skin, but the Schwann cells which will eventually associate with them are intrinsic to the primordial dermis. Nevertheless, the two arborizing systems develop in parallel.

Bullet Summary

• Week 7: One plane
• Weeks 8.5-14: Nerves become functional
• Week: 11: Two planes
• Weeks 12-20: Fine tuning
• Weeks 20 and beyond: Arteries, arterioles, veins, & venules

To study the organisation and matrix over time click on one of the buttons below:

Week 7
Weeks 8.5-14:
Week 11
Weeks 12-20
Weeks 20 and beyond