The craniofacial complex comprises the head, face, and oral cavity and is the most distinguishing of all the structures in the human body, imparting unique identities to individuals. Structures of the craniofacial complex, such as the mandible, palate, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and dentition, each offer valuable paradigms for studying development, structure, and functions. This chapter will provide a background for the succeeding chapter that will compare, in detail, the differences in bone and tooth development. The chapters goals are to review the classical and current knowledge of branchial arch development, mandibular and temporo- mandibular joint (TMJ) formation, palatogenesis, and tooth development. Information on defects or disorders that arise from perturbations in genes, their protein products, and relevant signaling pathways is integrated into each section. The overarching goal is to emphasize how the knowledge of fundamental developmental processes can be translated to regenerative approaches targeted at restoring the integrity and function of craniofacial tissues.
