The histological section (Fig. 15.1) shows the developmental states and positional relationships of the ear region and the area anterior to it. The temporal bone and its otic capsule are still cartilaginous. The cartilaginous precursors of the auditory ossicles malleus, incus, and stapes (its base) are in the section plane. The semicircular canals of the labyrinth are also sectioned. Anteriorly, the sphenoid bone is visible, and laterally, a small portion of the mandible is sectioned with the masseter and medial pterygoid muscles encircling this bony area. For orientation, the eye is shown at the bottom of the image (Fig. 15.2).