The lateral palatine processes initially grow downward toward the future floor of the mouth. This is caused by the presence of the:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

By the end of the second month in embryo, the swellings of the tongue unite. The tongue extends upward and forward and is in the way of the lateral palatine processes fusing medially. As a result these palatal shelves initially grow downward. By the end of third month in embryo, the tongue drops and the palatal shelves fuse.

The Lateral Palatine Processes Initially Grow Downward Toward the Future