chondrocranium
/ˌkɑndrəˈkreɪniəm/
noun
- The part of the skull that forms from cartilage and later becomes bone, especially in the early development of vertebrates.
- Scientists study the chondrocranium to understand how different species evolved.
- In human embryos, the chondrocranium provides a temporary framework for the developing brain.
- The chondrocranium is replaced by bone as the skull matures.