ossific

The first ossific nuclei are those for the great wings (alisphenoids).

The carpal bones are ossified endochondrally (from within the cartilage) and the ossific centers appear only after birth.

These accessory nuclei possess no separate ossific centers, but are invaded by the surrounding membrane bone and undergo absorption.

The labyrinths are first developed, ossific granules making their appearance in the region of the lamina papyracea between the fourth and fifth months of fetal life, and extending into the conchæ.

The inner alveolar border, usually described as arising from a separate ossific center (splenial center), is formed in the human mandible by an ingrowth from the main mass of the bone.

About the ninth week of fetal life an ossific center appears for each of the small wings (orbitosphenoids) just lateral to the optic foramen; shortly afterward two nuclei appear in the presphenoid part of the body.