[Illustration: FIG. 4. _Synaptotylus newelli_ (Hibbard). Restoration of
the palatoquadrate complex, based on K. U. no. 9939, x 5. A, medial
view, B, lateral view.]
Two long, narrow, splintlike bones covered on one surface with granular
teeth are interpreted as ectopterygoids. These are 13.0 and 16.0 mm.
long and each is 1.5 mm. wide. Orientation of these is unknown, but they
probably fitted against the ventral surface of the ventral process of
the endopterygoid (Moy-Thomas, 1937:fig. 5).
[Illustration: FIG. 5. _Synaptotylus newelli_ (Hibbard). A, ceratohyal,
lateral (?) view, based on K. U. nos. 11429 and 11457, x 5. B, urohyal,
based on K. U. no. 11457, x 5.]
The metapterygoid has a smooth surface in both views. The dorsal edge
has a thickened, flared margin that presumably articulated with the
antotic process of the basisphenoid. No articular surface for the
basipterygoid process has been observed.
The quadrate is distinct and closely applied to the posteroventral
margin of the complex. In medial view the margin is nearly straight and
continues to the ventral edge. The ventral surface is thickened and
forms a rounded, knoblike articular surface. In lateral view the surface
is smooth; the anterior margin is irregular (or perhaps broken on all
specimens), and proceeds in an irregular convex curve from the posterior
to the ventral margin.
The general shape of the palatoquadrate complex is most nearly like that
of _Rhabdoderma elegans_ (Moy-Thomas, 1937:fig. 5). The orientation of
the complex in the living fish was probably oblique, with the processus
ascendens nearly vertical, the quadrate oblique, and the ventral process
of the endopterygoid extending dorsoanteriorly and articulating with the
parasphenoid.
Of the hyoid arch only the ceratohyals (see fig. 5A) are preserved in
several specimens. These are long, curved bones with a posteroventral
process and widened, flaring posterior margin. The medial (?) surface is
concave in one specimen. The lateral (?) surface displays a distinct
ridge on several specimens, arising on the dorsal surface opposite the
posteroventral process and extending diagonally to the anteroventral end
of the anterior limb. The impression of one other specimen appears to
have a central ridge because of greater dorsal thickness and narrowness.
Both surfaces are unornamented.
The urohyal (see fig. 5B) is an unornamented, Y-shaped bone, with the
stem of the Y pointing anteriorly. Orientation with respect to dorsal
and ventral surfaces is uncertain. In one view a faint ridge, also
Y-shaped, occurs on the expanded posterior portion, and the surface is
convex. The anterior process has a convex surface, sloping evenly off to
the lateral margin; the opposite side of the process has a concave
surface. The posterior portion has a slightly depressed area (see fig.
5B) at the junction of the "arms" of the Y.
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