During which week of fetal development do the palate and tongue form?

The formation of the palate and tongue is an essential part of fetal development that takes place around the seventh week of gestation. During this period, the facial structures begin to develop more distinctly, leading to the fusion of various processes that form the oral cavity. The primary palate begins to establish itself, followed closely by the development of the secondary palate. The tongue also forms during this period as the structures of the pharynx and oral cavity are developing.

Week seven is critical for this aspect of development, as it marks a time when multiple structures in the developing embryo are coming together to shape the future anatomy of the mouth and throat. Understanding this timeline is crucial for recognizing potential developmental anomalies that could occur if these processes do not follow the typical progression.

In contrast, earlier weeks, such as weeks five and six, primarily involve the initial phases of structural development and do not coincide with the formation of the palate and tongue. Therefore, the correct timing is aligned with week seven, confirming its significance in embryonic development.