Fetal ear development

This animation illustrates the development of a baby' s outer ear from its embryonic origins. Structures of a baby' s middle and inner ear are also shown from the front view.

The ears begin their development during the fifth week of pregnancy. Ear formation starts from a few small bulges called branchial arches. Portions of the branchial arches form into structures called auricular hillocks. The auricular hillocks grow and join together to form the outer ears.

During the fifth month, the inner and middle parts of the ear develop, but won' t be completely finished until birth.

Reviewed last on: 9/16/2008
Dan Sacks MD, FACOG, Obstetrics & Gynecology in Private Practice, West Palm Beach, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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