[Intramandibular segment of Meckel's cartilage in the rabbit embryo. Its cytological expression and osteogenetic fate].

Meckel's cartilage undergoes typical endochondral ossification within a model of the mandible, the ossification of which is then intramembranous. The concurrent development of two different osteogenetic processes in the 28 day-old rabbit embryo results in the formation of a single bony framework. These observations are based upon the assumption that Meckel's cartilage is not merely a supportive, primitive shaft without a definite ontogenetic future role, but rather an active participant in mandibular osteogenesis.