FishFace

By 72 hpf, the palatoquadrate (pq) has increased in size and cell number from that seen at 51 hpf. The palatoquadrate now can be discerned more easily from Meckel’s cartilage (Mk) in its anterior articulation and articulates considerably with the hyosymplectic (hs) posteriorly. Alcian blue staining of matrix is observed in these developing cartilages at this stage (data not shown). The pterygoid process (ptp) of the palatoquadrate can be seen growing dorsomedially from the main body to approximate the ethmoid (e) of the neurocranium. A more ventral view demonstrates that, similar to the pterygoid process, the main body of the palatoquadrate is approximately one cell layer thick.