The first thick layer of albumen protein is twisted by spiraling grooves in the oviduct wall to form the chalazae (from the Greek for “small lump,” “hailstone”), two dense, slightly elastic cords which anchor the yolk to the ends of the shell and allow it to rotate while suspending it in the middle of the egg. This system keeps as much cushioning albumen as possible between the embryo and the shell, and prevents premature contact between shell and embryo, which could distort the embryo’s development.