The alligator and its alliesReese, A. M. (Albert Moore)
Science
The alligator and its allies
Reese, A. M. (Albert Moore)
Alligators
The _supra-angular_ (Figs. 23 and 24, 21, Fig. 21, 18) is an elongated
bone that forms the dorsal border of the external mandibular foramen;
it also forms the lateral edge of the articular surface for the
quadrate. It articulates anteriorly with the splenial, the dentary, and
the coronoid; and posteriorly with the angular and articular.
The _articular_ (Figs. 23 and 24, 22, Fig. 21, 19), which is scarcely
visible in a lateral view, forms most of the surface for articulation
with the quadrate, and sends back the large process so characteristic
of the crocodilian skull. On the dorsal side of this process is a
concavity that looks like another articular surface. Laterally the
articular articulates with the supra-angular; ventrally and posteriorly
with the angular.
The _angular_ (Fig. 23, 20, Fig. 21, 22) forms the ventro-posterior
border of the jaw and of the external mandibular foramen. Its narrow,
posterior end forms a part of the prominent process mentioned in
connection with the articular. Between it and the posterior edge of
the splenial is the _internal mandibular foramen_, which is much
smaller than the external (Fig. 23, 28). Anteriorly the angular
articulates with the dentary, coronoid, and splenial; dorsally with the
supra-angular and the articular.
_The Hyoid_ (Fig. 25). The hyoid being mainly of cartilage is usually
not seen in prepared skeletons. It is thus described by Reynolds:
“The hyoid of the Crocodile consists of a wide flattened plate of
cartilage, the _basilingual plate_ or _body of the hyoid_, and a pair
of _cornua_.
“The _basilingual plate_ (Fig. 25, 1) is rounded anteriorly and marked
by a deep notch posteriorly. The _cornua_ (Fig. 25, 3), which are
attached at a pair of notches near the middle of the outer border of
the basilingual plate, are partly ossified, but their expanded ends are
formed of cartilage. They pass at first backwards and then upwards and
inwards. They are homologous with part of the first branchial arches of
Selachians.”
[Illustration: FIG. 25. HYOIDS OF AN ALLIGATOR (_Caiman latirostris_)
(TO THE LEFT) AND OF A GREEN TURTLE (_Chelone midas_) (TO THE RIGHT).
×⁵⁄₈. (Brit. Mus.) (After Reynolds.)
The cartilaginous portions are dotted.
1. basilingual plate or body of the hyoid.
2. hyoid arch.
3. first branchial arch (anterior cornu).
4. second branchial arch (posterior cornu).]
_III. The Ribs and Sternum._
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