pseudoglandular period, the period or phase of prenatal lung development lasting from about the 6th to 16th week, and followed by the canalicular period. Repeated branching of bronchi and bronchioles takes place to form primordial conductive airways, and the lungs resemble exocrine glands. Fetuses delivered during this phase are not viable because the lungs are not capable of respiration until the 24th to 26th week. Also called pseudoglandular phase.
