Basicranial synchondroses and the mandibular condyle in craniofacial growth

Abstract

Basicranial synchondroses are remnants of the fetal chondrocranium and thus represent primary cartilage, whereas the chondral part of the mandibular condyle, for example, develops unattached to the chondrocranium, as secondary cartilage. The two cartilage groups show differences in structure and cell proliferation pattern, and yet both are endowed with tissue-separating qualities.