Chondrocranial

/ˌkɒndroʊˈkreɪniəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to the cartilaginous parts of the skull or to the cartilage from which parts of the skull develop.

Etymology

From Greek 'chondros' (cartilage) + Latin 'cranium' (skull). The term describes the embryological and anatomical relationship between cartilage and skull formation.

Kelly Says

Before you were even born, your entire skull was made of cartilage—then special cells gradually replaced it with bone in a process called ossification, which is why babies have soft spots where cartilage hasn't yet turned to bone.

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