Paper - The primordial cranium of microtus amphibius (water-rat), as determined by sections and a model of the 25-mm stage (1917)

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Fawcett E. The primordial cranium of microtus amphibius (water-rat), as determined by sections and a model of the 25-mm. stage. with comparative remarks. (1917) J Anat. 51(4): 309-359. PMID 17103821

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The primordial cranium of microtus amphibius (water-rat), as determined by sections and a model of the 25-mm stage

Edward Fawcett
Edward Fawcett

With Comparative Remarks.

By Edward Fawcett, M.D., Professor of Anatomy, University of Bristol.

Introduction

The specimen about to be described was kindly afforded me by Prof. J. P. Hill, of University College, London; it was cut by me into serial sections of 20 thick and stained with Mallory’s triple connective-tissue stain, a stain which stains cartilage very well and (if properly manipulated) bone magnificently even in its very earliest condition. As a corrective another specimen was sectioned of 17:5 mm total length, for which I am indebted to my colleague Dr W. D. Henderson; but of this specimen no model was made, nor was it necessary, for the conditions in the two were practically identical, the latter no doubt having shrunk somewhat in the various processes of hardening. In both ossification had proceeded to a degree which I had not anticipated, but the outlines of the ossifying cartilage were sufficiently clear to easily determine. A model of the 25-mm specimen was made at a magnification of fifty diameters by the wax-plate method. Both neural and visceral skeleton were modelled, and, as far as possible, the various bones were modelled too. Where accessory cartilages appear in connection with the covering bones, these are represented. Nerves and blood-vessels were, in cases of interest, modelled in situ, but for the most part were removed later. A separate model of the auditory capsule with membranous labyrinth was made.

General Description of the Complete Model

In this description I have to a certain extent been guided by the very exhaustive description of the primordial cranium as given by Voit in the Anatomische Hefte, which will stand as a model of what a description ought to be; but, in the light of what seems to me to result from a prolonged series of researches into the primordial cranium of various mammals, some modifications seem desirable.


I have therefore determined on the following mode of description, viz. : firstly, to describe that part more especially connected with the central nervous system; secondly, to give an account of that part derived more particularly from the visceral appendages; thirdly, to describe the bones.

The Primordial Neural Cranium

In describing this part in the light of what seems to result from my general researches I have adopted a different plan from that usually done, and therefore will consider the primordial neural cranium as consisting of the following parts :—

1. A central stem, to which are appended, at more or less constant positions,

Appendages to the central stem ;

Lateral structures ; .

Commissures binding these lateral structures together ;

Dorsal structures, viz. those which lie dorsal to the encephalon and form a cartilaginous roof to the cavum cranii.

1. The Central Stem

The central stem (Pls. 1, 2) stretches from the anterior margin of the foramen magnum to the tip of the nose, and as far forwards as the back of the nasal capsule consists of a long flattened plate, wide behind but narrowing as it is traced forwards to the hinder part of the nasal capsule. As far forwards as the region just named the central stem is wider than deep; but once it has been included in the nasal capsule (of which it forms the septum) it suddenly increases in depth (Pl. 9), so that its vertical height is very much greater than its transverse width.

Constituent Parts of the Central Stem.—So far as my experience goes, the central stem appears to be made up, in the various mammals examined, of the following parts, ontogenetically: (1) a hinder broad part closely associated with the chorda-dorsalis, differing in various genera in its relation to that structure. This part may be termed the chordal part (pars chordalis) (Pls. 1, 2). Anterior to the chordal part comes.(2),a part of variable breadth, but still of considerable breadth, which is formed from _ trabecule, and may be therefore designated the trabecular part (pars trabecularis) (Pls. 1,.2). This is followed anteriorly by a part which posteriorly lies between the optic foramina, more anteriorly between the orbital cavities, and more anteriorly as the septum nasi. All these parts taken together form (3) the interorbito-nasal septum (Pls. 1, 2, 9). Ontogenetically these parts all chondrify independently of one another in Talpa, Cavia, Tatusia novemcincta, and ?Homo. In the latter the trabecule are formed quite independently of the pars chordalis and of one another, but I do not know if they arise independently of the interorbito-nasal septum. Although I have no specimen of Microtus young enough to state definitely that this is the mode of development in Microtus, yet it seems justifiable to describe the central stem at the stage modelled on the same lines; and although no distinct traces of such subdivisiom are evident at this stage, all being. now fused, it is not difficult to indicate with some precision their limits.



Text-fig. 1. —Talpa. Chondrocranium of 11-mm. embryo, viewed from below.


Detailed Description of the Central Stem.—The chordal part of the central stem is roughly triangular in form as seen either from above or below (Pls. 1, 2). The basal’ region of this triangular plate forms the anterior concave margin of the foramen magnum. The apical region is marked by a-small median foramen (Pl. 1), the remains of the basi-cranial fenestra 312 Professor Edward Fawcett


through which the chorda-dorsalis dips down from the dorsal aspect of the chordal plate towards the pharyngeal root. The sides of the triangular plate are in relation with the auditory capsules (Pls. 1, 2) antero-laterally, whilst postero-laterally they are directly continuous with those outrunners of this region which I shall allude to as the exoccipital cartilages (pila occipitalia) (Pls. 1, 2), an imaginary antero-posterior line drawn through the hypoglossal canals only separating this part of the central stem from the exoccipitals which lie lateral to its basal angles. The pars chordalis is only directly connected with the auditory capsule through a cartilaginous commissure which, starting about the middle of the lateral border, fuses with the intero-medial aspect of the “vestibular” segment of the pars cochlearis, thus breaking up into two parts an otherwise large fissure between the pars chordalis and the auditory capsule. That part of the fissure which lies in front of this cartilaginous commissure—and which from its mode of development may perhaps be termed the chordo-cochlear commissure (Pls. 1, 2) —is the basi-cochlear fissure, whilst that part of the common fissure which lies behind the commissure in question is the foramen jugulare (Pls. 1, 2). To the under aspect of this chordal segment of the central stem are attached the prevertebral muscles which reach the head, and on the under aspect of the basal border at its most lateral part on each side is that part of the condyle which belongs to the pars chordalis.


Ossification has commenced in the pars chordalis, both of the entochondral and perichondrial type, and the chorda dorsalis can be traced along the whole length of the dorsal aspect of the ossifying cartilage, but deep to the perichondrial bone. This pars chordalis is therefore hypochordal in position. The chorda-dorsalis (Pl. 1) dips down through a small foramen at the anterior limit of the pars chordalis to reach the dorsal aspect of the pharyngeal mucous membrane, but it cannot be traced further onward at this stage. The foramen through which the chorda-dorsalis passes is the remnant of a much larger one in the younger stages, and represents the gap between the pars chordalis and the pars trabecularis—in other words, the basi-cranial fenestra of. reptilia. In the stage modelled it lies opposite the anterior limit of the basi-cochlear fissure (Pl. 1), and exactly in the midline. In front of a line drawn transversely through this foramen we reach the pars trabecularis.


The Pars trabecularis (Pls. 1, 2)—That part formed by the fused trabecule, and in intimate relation with the hypophysis, is of about the same width as the anterior part of the pars chordalis. From behind forwards, as seen from above, it shows first a slight transverse ridge, the crista sellaris (Pl. 1); in front of this is a shallow hollow, the fossa hypophyseos (Pl. 1), in which rests the hypophysis, and whose floor was no doubt at an earlier state perforated by its stomodceal duct. In front of the hypophyseal fossa the pars trabecularis narrows somewhat, and passes without line of demarcation histologically into the interorbito-nasal septum ; but from this septum at its hindmost part laterally two triangular processes are given off, one on each side—ale hypochiasmate (Pls. 1,2); a line drawn transversely through their hinder edges will separate the pars trabecularis from the septum interorbito-nasalis. The prehypophyseal segment of the pars trabecularis is unusually long in Microtus.

From each side of the pars trabecularis two processes or commissures project, viz.: one, a more posterior, connecting the pars trabecularis with the cochlea behind the carotid artery ; the other running also laterally and then posteriorly from the side of the pars trabecularis and in front of the carotid artery to the upper aspect of the apex cochlee. These commissures may be termed respectively the posterior and anterior trabeculo-cochlear commissures (Pls. 1, 2,5). Between the two lies the foramen caroticum (Pls. 1, 2,5). From the front of the middle of the anterior trabeculo-cochlear commissure the ala temporalis projects in a general outward direction, and for this reason, perhaps, the term alicochlear commissure is the one usually given to what I have termed the anterior trabeculo-cochlear commissure. The posterior trabeculo-cochlear commissure seems to have escaped attention, save in the mole, in which it persists as a narrow bar, and as such is figured by Fischer, but not described. This commissure is narrow in the mole, but tends in many other animals to so increase in antero-posterior width as to ultimately fuse with the chordo-cochlear commissure and so obliterate the basi-cochlear fissure, of which it forms the anterior limit normally. This is evidently the case in the calf, ferret, hedgehog, and man, In the cat the basi-eochlear fenestra is persistent, and so it is in the rabbit (Voit) and in Tatusia. Only a few emissary veins pass through it when persistent.


The pars trabecularis in the mole arises as two cylindrical cartilaginous rods placed on each side of the hypophyseal duct at the 10-12-mm. stage ; in Tatusia novemcincta as a perforated isolated plate interposed between, but independent of, both interorbito-uasal septum and pars chordalis of the central stem, at 12 mm.; in man as two precartilaginous rods on each side of the hypophyseal duct, independent of one another and of the pars chordalis, but as the interorbital septum is not chondrified at the stage in question, viz. 13°5 mm., it could not be determined whether it was independent of this.


The Pars interorbito-nasalis (Pls. 1, 2, 9)—This, to be alluded to subsequently as the-interorbito-nasal septum, is recognised at its hindmost part by its giving off two triangular processes—the ale hypochiasmate. These processes, triangular in form—since they always serve at some time or other for the attachment of one or other of the rectus system of muscles of the eyeball, they might as well be termed processus musculosi,—may be taken as indicating at their hindmost points the posterior limit of the interorbitonasal septum. Laterally, in front of the alze hypochiasmatz, the interorbital part of the interorbito-nasal septum is bounded by the two optic foramina (Pls. 1, 2), which in Microtus are incomplete behind, recalling the condition observed in Metatheria. Anterior to these foramina the interorbito-nasal septum is fused with the anterior narrow limb or root of the ala orbitalis of each side, in front of which the septum is now narrowed and forms the median or septal boundary of the two orbito-nasal fissures and the two orbital cavities. It is customary to limit the term interorbital septum to that part which lies septal to the two orbital cavities, but from its mode of development I have here preferred to carry the septum further back, 7.e. to the level of the hindmost part of the ale hypochiasmatz.

Beyond the orbito-nasal fissures the interorbito-nasal septum enters on its intra-narial stage, and may now be called the septum nasi (Pls. 1, 2, 9). As such its height greatly exceeds its width, and this more especially as it is traced forwards. The upper edge is partly subcerebral, say for onethird of its extent; the remainder is precerebral.

The subcerebral part of the upper border of the septum nasi rises rapidly as it is traced forwards, until at its anterior end it culminates in a small backwardly curved crista galli (Pls. 1, 9).

From the hindmost part of each lateral border of this part of the septum the posterior wall of the lateral nasal capsule projects as the planum antorbitale (Pls. 1, 9, 10), and from the remainder of the lateral margin the lamina eribrosa (Pls 1, 9,) runs outwards. From the crista galli forwards the upper border of the septum nasi is precerebral ; and, at first flush with the rest of the tectum nasi, of which it forms the median part, it gradually sinks to a lower level so as to lie at the bottom of a median shallow longitudinal furrow, the sulcus dorsalis nasi (Pls. 1, 9). The subcerebral and precerebral parts of the septum nasi are inclined to one another at an angle convex upwards.

The inferior border of the septum nasi (Pls. 2, 3, 9) lies almost horizontally and forms only a very obtuse angle with that part of the central stem behind it; in fact, so obtuse is this angle that the two are almost in the same horizontal line—a feature which seems to characterise the,chondrocrania of all mammals which I have examined up to Carnivora at some stage or other of their development, eg. Dasyurus viverrinus, Tatusia, Talpa, Erinaceus, Bos, Ovis, Lepus. In the 12-mm. stage of Tatusia the angle is more acute, and has straightened out at the 17-mm. stage.

The lower border of the septum is thicker than the upper one, and it is convex from side to side; for the most part it is free, but posteriorly it is directly continuous with the hinder wall of the nasal capsule, and anteriorly, shortly behind the tip of the nose, it is directly continuous with the floor of the nose at the lamina transversalis anterior (PI. 2, fig. 1). Between the latter and the hinder end of the nasal capsule, the lower part of the septum nasi is in close relation on each side with the paraseptal cartilage and the lamina transversalis posterior (Pls. 2,9, fig. 1), a very narrow septo-paraseptal fissure only intervening. The septum ends anteriorly by bifurcating into two laminz which, recurving, form on each side the cupula nast anterior (Pls. 1, 2, 9).

A small perforation is met with in the septum some distance above the anterior margin of the lamina transversalis anterior, and is termed the foramen internasale (Pl. 9). This foramen in the actual specimen is closed by fibrous tissue covered by the mucous membrane of the two narial passages. A slight swelling is met with not far from the anterior end of the septum, which, when covered by mucous membrane, simulates a septo-turbinal.

The total length of the interorbito-nasal septum amounts to almost the equal of the remainder of the central stem behind it.

2. Structures Appended to each Side of the Central Stem

These structures are from behind forwards. (a) The exoccipital cartilage or pila occipitalis. (6) The auditory capsule. (c) The ala temporalis. (d) The ala orbitalis. (e) The lateral nasal capsule. The two last may also be regarded as lateral structures, and may perhaps be considered later in that category.

(a) The Exoccipital Cartilage.

Each exoccipital cartilage (Pls. 1, 2, 3) springs from the corresponding basal angle of the triangular chordal part of the central stem, and it is in direct histological continuity with it. As before said, an imaginary line drawn antero-posteriorly through the hypoglossal canals—of which there are two in Microtus, viz. a smaller anterior and a larger posterior—will indicate its commencement. The subsequent ossification more precisely distinguishes the exoccipital cartilage from the pars chordalis. ‘The under aspect of this region lateral to the hypoglossal canals forms the greater part of the - occipital condyle. The anterior margin of the exoccipital cartilage projects freely under the cochlear part of the auditory capsule, from which it fs separated by the foramen jugulare; and more laterally the same anterior margin is prolonged at first forwards under the pars canalicularis of the auditory capsule as a thin horizontal plate, the lamina alaris (Pl. 2), which is overlain by the 9th, 10th, and 11th cranial nerves, as well as by the processus perilymphaticus from the interior of the auditory capsule, and by the lateral sinus. Only a small fissure, itself hidden to a large extent by the terminal part of the lateral sinus, and visible only from the cavum cranii, separates the lamina alaris from the pars canalicularis of the auditory capsule. The fissure is the recessus jugularis (Pl. 5). As one follows outwards the anterior margin of the exoccipital cartilage, one finds that it projects laterally underneath the pars canalicularis of the auditory capsule, and here a certain amount of superficial fusion takes place between the two. The lateral projection is quite small in amount, being very different from that figured by Voit as the paracondyloid process of the rabbit; but it may be regarded as equivalent to the root of the paracondyloid process (Pl. 3) of the rabbit, and will be named as such here. The lamina alaris in this specimen is in process of ossification, both entochondral and perichondrial, the latter greatly predominating, but there is as yet no sign of ossification in the paracondyloid process. The anterior border of the exoccipital cartilage above the level of the paracondyloid process may be now traced upwards, arching over the hinder margin of the pars canalicularis as far as the cupula of the latter. In this part of its course this border is separated from the auditory capsule by a well-marked fissure, which may be named the fisswra occipito-capsularis inferior (Pls. 3, 4). On looking through this fissure from the exterior the lateral venous sinus may be seen.

The posterior margin of the exoccipital cartilage, a margin which is also median, forms a great part of the antero-lateral boundary of the foramen magnum. Opposite the cupula posterior of the auditory capsule the exoccipital cartilage may be regarded as ending; for though at this stage in Microtus no histological difference is evident, a distinct.fissure exists in the calf at 19 mm., in the hedgehog at 25 mm., and in Tatusia novemcincta at 17 mm. In Microtus, as no histological boundary seems to limit the upward extent.of the exoccipital cartilage at this stage, one may say that. this cartilage runs directly into the supraoccipital cartilage above it (Pls. 3,4). The supraoccipital cartilage, however, will be dealt with later. The Primordial Cranium of Microtus amphibius (Water-Rat) 317

(b) The Auditory Capsule (Pls. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8).

This exceedingly complicated structure, which, taken as a whole, may with Voit be described as approximately ovoidal in form, whose long axis lies almost in the horizontal plane, contains the membranous labyrinth, and owes its general form especially to the structure. composing this labyrinth. Thus the hinder cupola-like termination is caused by the bifurcation of the hind end of the crus commune into anterior (superior) and posterior semicircular canals, whilst the anterior cupola contains the anterior blind end of the ductus cochlearis. Two main parts are readily distinguished in the auditory capsule, viz.: a posterior—the pars posterior ° or pars canalicularis, which lies behind the plane of the foramen jugulare, and more particularly over the horizontal part of the exoccipital cartilage, and which forms the lateral wall in great part of the cerebellar segment of the cavum cranii; and an anterior—the pars anterior or pars cochlearis, which converges towards its fellow and the central stem, and so compresses the latter to a much smaller width anteriorly than posteriorly.

The auditory capsule is moored by various commissures to neighbouring parts of the chondro-cranium (Pls. 1,2, 5). Thus the pars cochlearis by three distinct commissures is attached to other parts, as follow, viz.: an anterior, or anterior trabeculo-cochlear (so-called alicochlear), commissure stretches from the upper aspect of the cupula cochlearis forwards on the outer side of the carotid foramen to the so-called processus alaris of the corresponding trabecula; another, the posterior trabeculo-cochlear commissure, passes from the medial upper aspect of the cupula cochlearis medial to the foramen caroticum to the corresponding trabecula opposite the crista transversa, such as that is in Microtus; a third, which connects the hinder medial part of the pars cochlearis with the chordal segment of the central stem, may be called the chordo-cochlear commissure. This commissure separates the basi-cochlear fissure or fenestra in front from the foramen jugulare behind.

The pars canalicularis is very slightly and only superficially connected directly with the paracondyloid process of the exoccipital. At its hinder pole it is fused with the commencement of the supraoccipital cartilage (Pls. 3, 4), or perhaps in some cases, too, at this region with the upper end of the exoccipital where that is confluent with the supraoccipital cartilage. Between this commissure and the one between the pars canalicularis and the paracondyloid process of the exoccipital a narrow fissure—the inferior (posterior) occipito-capsular fissure—is found (Pls. 3, 4). Next, the anterior half of the upper margin of the pars canalicularis is connected with the orbito-parietal commissure and the anterior process of the supraoccipital cartilage by the parietal plate (Pls. 3,5). Between the parietal plate and the posterior commissure of the pars canalicularis is a fissure, the swperior occipito-capsular fisswre (v. fissura parieto-capsularis). The anterior part of this fissure transmits the lateral jugular vein from the interior of the skull, and is sometimes called the foramen jugulare spuriwm. In front of the parietal plate the auditory capsule is separated from the orbito-parietal commissure by the large fenestra spheno-parietalis. As Voit says for the rabbit, “Die Form der ganzen Labyrinthkupsel wird so sehr von ihrem Inhalte, dem hautigen Labyrinth bestimmt, dass ich es fiir zweckmissig halte, hier die Abbildung eines Modelles eingefiigen . . . von dem hautigen labyrinth. . . .” So in the description, which follows here very closely that given by Voit for the rabbit, it will be seen that the external form of the capsule is intimately dependent on that of its contents.

The Pars canalicularis (Pls. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) contains especially the utricle and the semicircular canals, and is influenced in its entire form chiefly by the course of the latter. It is pyramidal in form, i.e. a threesided pyramid whose borders are clearly formed by the projections caused by the semicircular canals which run in the interior. These borders, which from their position may be named superior, infero-lateral, and infero-medial, all converge posteriorly on the posterior pole of the pars canalicularis. Three surfaces are to be distinguished, viz. a supero-medial, a lateral, and an infero-medial.

The Borders (Pls. 5, 6, 7)—The upper border or prominentia semicircularis anterior commences at the posterior pole, ascends in an arched fashion in a forward direction to end anteriorly in an ill-marked prominence, the prominentia utriculo-ampullaris superior. This prominence is rendered indistinct by the parietal plate springing from the region where it is found, and the upper border itself is only visible from within, since it is overlapped by the opercular process of the anterior prolongation of the supraoccipital cartilage (tectum synoticum). Along this upper border runs the sinus sigmoideus, from the region of the foramen jugulare spurium to the posterior pole of the pars canalicularis.

The Infero-lateral Border (Pls. 3, 4, 6)—prominentia semicircularis postervor—commences at the pole of the pars canalicularis and runs forwards, outwards, and downwards at an angle of about 70° with the upper border to end near the inferior basal angle of the lateral surface. Not far from the anterior end of the prominentia semicircularis posterior commences the prominentia semicircularis lateralis, but this will be described along with the lateral surface of the pars canalicularis.

The Infero-medial Border of the pars canalicularis (Pls. 5, 7) commences behind at the posterior pole, forms the upper boundary of the sulcus sigmoideus, in which the sinus sigmoideus lies, and is caused by the prominentia cruris communis in its hinder part and more anteriorly by the arch of the posterior semicircular canal; anteriorly it ends in a rounded swelling, the prominentia utriculo-ampullaris posterior, just below and behind the meatus auditorius internus. The prominentia cruris communis is perforated by a small canal for the ductus endolymphaticus (Pls. 5, 7); behind this. canal is a groove which later sinks into a large foramen leading into the site of bifurcation of the crus commune into anterior and posterior semicircular canals. The groove is caused by the pressure of the.saccus endolymphaticus.

The Surfaces (Pls. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8).—The lateral surface of the pars canalicularis is triangular in form, with apex of triangle backwards at the cupula posterior. The upper and lower sides of the triangle are, as we have seen, formed respectively by the prominentia semicircularis superior and prominentia utriculo-ampullaris superior and the prominentia semicircularis posterior, and the upper side has projected upwards from about its anterior third the parietal plate (Pl. 5).

The base of the triangular lateral surface is of interest in that it gives forwards at its upper angle the tegmen tympani (Pls. 3, 6), which is a curved shell-like cartilage projected. forwards over the incus and malleus cartilages, and medially it is fused with the lower part of the parietal plate and with the lower edge of the orbito-parietal commissure ; below the tegmen tympani, the base projects as the crista parotica (Pls. 3, 6), which is separated from the tegmen tympani above by a notch, the incisura incudis. The crista parotica, itself somewhat pyramidal in form, by its apex gives attachment to and is fused with the styloid process, between which and the lower side of. the crista parotica the facial nerve emerges, the site of emergence being the primary stylomastoid foramen. Below this a small notch interrupts the base, the incisura stapedi (PI. 6), which lodges the hindmost end of the stapedius muscle. Below this again is a slight elevation which may from its position be termed mastoid process, but it does not give origin to any muscles, nor does it project in any way like that of the rabbit as figured by Voit.

The surface enclosed by these three sides, viz. the lateral surface, is directed somewhat backwards as well as outwards. This surface is marked near its middle by a curved almost horizontal ridge, a ridge which, slightly concave upwards, is caused by the out-bulging of the fossa subarcuata superior, and may be therefore termed the prominentia subarcuata superior (Pl. 6). From the base of the crista parotica another semicylindrical ridge runs downwards and backwards towards the anterior end of the prominentia semicircularis posterior. This ridge is the prominentia semicircularis lateralis. A triangular hollow is now mapped out between the three just-named prominences, bounded above by the prominentia subarcuata superior, below and behind by the prominentia semicircularis posterior, below and in front by the prominentia semicircularis lateralis. This area corresponds with the solid mass of cartilage intervening between the fossa subarcuata superior and the cavities of the lateral and posterior semicircular canals, and which is termed the massa angularis.

The lateral surface of the pars canalicularis is overlapped from above as far as the most prominent part of the prominentia subarcuata superior by the opercular process of the anterior prolongation of the supraoccipital cartilage. :

The Medial or Supero-medial Surface (Pls. 5, 7, 8), like the lateral, is triangular in form, the upper side of the triangle being formed by the ‘prominentia semicircularis anterior, which is better marked from this aspect than the lateral. The lower side of the triangle is formed to a large extent by the prominentia cruris communis, but more anteriorly by the prominentia utriculo-ampullaris inferior. The base of the triangular surface, which is anterior, is an imaginary line drawn vertically through the hinder part of the meatus auditorius internus, commencing above at the prominentia utriculo-ampullaris superior and ending below at the prominentia utriculo-ampullaris inferior. A large part of this surface is sunk beneath the prominentia semicircularis anterior to form the fossa subarcuata anterior (Pls. 5,7), a fossa which, ovoidal in form, is very deep everywhere, but below and in front is directly continued by a foramen of considerable size into the vestibular cavity, and on one side the middle of the floor of this fossa subarcuata anterior was perforated to allow of blood-vessels passing through to the exterior. This fossa seems to vary in depth at different ages, for in the cellular and precartilaginous condition it is scarcely present, but later it gradually deepens until it is only separated from the exterior by a thin wall of cartilage, which is the upper part of the massa angularis. This fossa frequently goes by the name of floccular fossa; perhaps the term parafloccular would better meet the case. It must, however, be at a comparatively late period of foetal life that this body occupies this fossa, for I have only once seen it so doing, and that in Miniopterus Schreibersi, at the 17-mm. stage.

The Infero-medial Surface (Pls. 5,7) is only to a slight extent visible from within the cavum cranii. It is for the most part directed towards the exoccipital and particularly to the lamina alaris thereof, between which and the inferior medial surface in question is a narrow fissure, the recessus supra-alaris (Pl. 5), visible from the interior of the cavum cranii, and which in the region of the posterior (inferior) occipito-capsular fissure is visible from the exterior, but anteriorly is closed by the fusion of the lateral border of the lamina alaris with the auditory capsule, and cranialwards is continued directly into the recessus jugularis. But towards the cavum cranii this cleft enlarges to form the sulcus sigmoideus, in which the sinus sigmoideus runs forwards in order to appear in the region of the recessus jugularis as the jugular vein. The whole fissure is thus only visible from the cavum cranii on removal of the sinus sigmoideus (Pls. 5, 8). The infero-medial surface is triangular in shape, the base of the triangle being anterior. Laterally it is bounded by the prominentia semicircularis posterior, and medially by the prominentia cruris communis, and more anteriorly on the medial side by the prominentia utriculo-ampullaris inferior. Immediately medial to its lateral boundary a fossa is met with, which perhaps deepest posteriorly may with Voit be termed the fossa subarcuata posterior. It is formed at the expense of the under aspect of the massa angularis; medial to the fossa subarcuata posterior the inferior surface is slightly hollowed out by the sinus sigmoideus. The basal region of the inferio-medial surface is slightly convex from side to side, and corresponds with the terminal part of the posterior semicircular canal and its ampulla, and the 9th, 10th, and 11th nerves lie beneath it here, as well as the terminal part of the sinus sigmoideus.

The basal region of the pars canalicularis is partly free and partly continuous with the pars cochlearis of the auditory capsule (Pls. 3, 6, 7). The free part lies medial to the basal boundary of the lateral surface of the. pars canalicularis. The free part mainly looks forwards, and from above downwards shows first the forward continuation of the tegmen tympani (Pls. 3, 6), whose under surface and root are hollowed out to form the epitympanic recess, in which the body and posterior process of the incus cartilage are to a large extent lodged. This fossa deepens inferiorly on the upper aspect of the crista parotica to form the fossa incudis, in which lies the pointed posterior end of the short or posterior process of the incus cartilage. Immediately medial to the epitympanic recess and fossa incudis lies the sulcws facialis (P]. 6), in which the facial nerve in its downward and backward course lies. This sulcus is continued downwards and backwards deep to the cristu parotica, where it still lodges the facial nerve but also the musculus stapedii, and when the facial nerve turns forwards out of the primary stylomastoid foramen, the sulcus, now entirely occupied by the stapedius muscle, ends at the incisura muscufi stapedi (Pl. 6) in the basal border of the lateral surface.

The remainder of the basal surface of the pars canalicularis is continued directly into the pars cochlearis of the auditory capsule. The pars cochlearis (Pls. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7) is a dome-like structure whose general direction is forwards and medianwards, and its apex or cuwpula ends just below and lateral to the carotid foramen. It contains the cochlear duct and the saccule, and may be divided into two parts, a hinder and a fore part. The hinder part is characterised by the presence of a number of openings, viz. on the lateral aspect the fenestra vestibwli (Pl. 6), on the infero-lateral aspect the fenestra cochlee (rotunda) (Pl. 6), and on the infero-medial aspect the foramen perilymphaticum. On the median wall, at the bottom of the meatus auditorius internus (Pl. 5), the openings for the divisions of the auditory nerve are met with. This hinder part into which these various openings lead may with Voit be termed the “ vestibular ” segment of the pars cochlearis.

The lateral wall of the vestibular segment (Pl. 6) bears the large oval fenestra vestibuli which lodges the foot of the stapes. Above the fenestra vestibuli the lateral wall of the vestibular segment is grooved by the stapedial artery and the facial nerve (Pl. 6), the former lying more anteriorly. Below the fenestra is the hinder part of the promontorium (Pl. 6), caused by the first turn of the cochlea ; and below this, at its hinder end, the fenestra tympani (cochlez) is met with—but that will be referred to again in connection with the inferior surface of the vestibular segment of the pars cochlearis.

The inferior or ventral surface of the vestibular segment of the pars cochlearis is convex and wide from side to side. It is perforated by two foramina, of which the more lateral is the fenestra tympani (cochlez) and the more medial the foramen perilymphaticum (aqueductus cochlez). The fenestra tympani (cochlex) is closed by a thin membrane, the secondary tympanic membrane, and it is separated from the foramen perilymphaticum by a bar of cartilage, under which are placed the jugular sinus and the root ganglion of the vagus, from which starts here to run outwards and upwards the auricular branch of that nerve. The foramen perilymphaticum, which is directed somewhat medially as well as inferiorly, transmits the saccus perilymphaticus and a vein which opens into the jugular vein. This complete separation of the foramen perilymphaticum from the fenestra cochlez (foramen rotundum) is perhaps in Microtus a precocious condition, for I have not observed it at what may be assumed to be the corresponding period in any other mammal. The ductus perilymphaticus, after leaving the interior of the auditory capsule in the manner aforesaid, runs medially and opens into the subdural lymph space. Its interior is intersected with fine connective-tissue strands.

Passing now to the cochlear segment of the pars cochlearis, we see on its lateral surface (Pl. 6), from below upwards, first the prominentia cochlearis inferior, caused by the first turn of the cochlea. This is crossed at right angles in its hinder part immediately below the foramen. vestibuli (ovale) by a sulcus for the stapedial artery, which in Microtus is of very large size, larger in fact than the internal carotid. Above the promontory and running downwards and forwards from the foramen vestibuli is a ‘sulcus, the sulcus septalis, which corresponds with the septum spirale of the interior of the cochlea. Above this sulcus is the prominentia cochlearis superior, caused by the second turn of the cochlea.



Text-FIG. 2. — Inferior aspect of right auditory capsule of Microtus, viewed from below.


The upper surface of the cochlea (Pls. 5,7) is comparatively small. It is connected anteriorly with the processus alaris of the trabecular part of ‘the central stem by the anterior trabeculo-cochlear commissure, lateral to which lies a longitudinal sulcus which contains the great superficial petrosal nerve, and which broadens posteriorly to form the sulcus ganglion geniculi ; more laterally there is a flattened area for the tensor tympani muscle (Pl. 6). To the lateral side of this appears a well-marked band or ridge of dense fibrous tissue, which reaches outwards almost to the goniale, and most likely represents the forerunner of the processus cochleariformis.


The medial surface of the pars cochlearis (Pls. 5, 7) is posteriorly and below continuous with the inferior surface in the neighbourhood of the foramen perilymphaticum ; further forwards it is continuous with the upper surface of the central stem. Along the upper aspect of the chordo-cochlear commissure more anteriorly it is again below continuous with the inferior surface of the “cochlear” segment of the pars cochlearis through the basicochlear fissure. In front of this fissure the medial surface is continuous through the posterior trabeculo-cochlear commissure with the trabecular region of the central stem, and in front of this it runs-into the lateral wall of the carotid foramen. In the hinder vestibular segment of this surface the meatus auditorius internus is met with, which by a septum running from before backwards is divided into two main parts, viz. an upper and a lower (Pls. 5,7). The upper segment has two foramina in it—one more anterior, the foramen faciale, and one more posterior, the foramen acusticum superius, through which the nerves to the utricle, the ampulle of the anterior and lateral semicircular canals, as well as the upper nerve to the saccule, run. The foramen acusticum inferius is divisible into three parts, viz.: a small opening immediately below the crista falciformis, for the lower nerve to the saccule—the saccule being here, as described by Voit for the rabbit and for man, supplied by two nerves; a larger area for the cochlear nerve; and a small foramen in the hinder wall of the lower half of the meatus auditorius internus—the foramen singulare, through which the nerve to the ampulla of the posterior semicircular canal runs. The upper anterior wall of the meatus auditorius internus is formed by the suprafacial commissure (Pls. 5, 7), a cartilaginous bridge which runs from the cochlear part of the pars cochlearis to the vestibular part of the same region, and develops as a spur from the cochlear segment to grow backwards and outwards over the facial nerve and fuse with the vestibular segment over the foramen acusticum superius. Before concluding the description of the meatus auditorius internus it may be said that the saccule lies on the lateral side of the crista falciformis.

No foramen faciale externum vel secundarium, such as is described by Voit, exists at this stage in Microtus, but it is quite possible that it may be present at a later stage, for the appearances suggest it.

The Interior of the Auditory Capsule (P). 8).—This, like the exterior, is divisible into a pars anterior and a pars posterior, of which the former is subdivisible into the cavum vestibulare and the cavum cochleare; whilst the latter is divided into the cavum utriculo-ampullare and the spaces for the semicircular canals, including the crus commune.


The cavum vestibulare fills the whole of the vestibular segment of the cochlear capsule and receives the openings of the foramina acustica, fenestra vestibuli, and the foramen perilymphaticum (aqueductus cochlex) and the foramen rotundum.

The posterior wall of the aqueeductus cochlex is bent upwards into the interior of the cavity so as to form a sort of septum, which lies anterior to the cavum utriculo-ampullaris inferius and shuts it partially off from the main cavity. The medial border, too, of the aqueeductus cochlez is bent upwards and later outwards into the main cavity, so that it forms a small roof to the saccus perilymphaticus. This roof perhaps more strictly belongs to the crista falciformis, which is bent out at its lower margin to form a wellmarked ridge in the cavum, which may be traced back along the lateral side of the foramen singulare (canal for nerve to ampulla of posterior semicircular canal), and which may be traced forwards to direct continuity with the septum spirale, a small foramen, for the nerve to the lower part of the saccule, slightly interrupting that continuity. The septum spirale from this junctional point sweeps upwards along the roof, then forwards and downwards along the lateral wall, and finally inwards along the floor of the pars cochlearis, where it dies away. It separates partially the cavity of the first turn of the cochlea from that of the second turn. As has been before stated, the saccule rests against that surface of the crista falciformis directed towards the cavum vestibulare, and above and behind the saccular fossa (fovea saccularis or spherica) and in the same horizontal line with the foramen acusticum superius is the fovea utricularis or elliptica for the upper part of the utricle. On the lateral wall of the cavum vestibulare, almost opposite the outbent lower margin of the crista falciformis, a small groove is found on the upper surface of the inwardly projected upper margin of the foramen cochlex. This groove lodges the hinder part and blind end of the cochlear duct. The subdivisions of the cochlear cartilaginous tube are not sufficiently well defined at this stage to warrant description, but the hinder part of the scala tympani (the cavum perilymphaticum tympanicum) can be followed back to the aqueductus cochlee as the saccus perilymphaticus, and thence through the foramen to the subdural space, as already described. In all cases the parts of the membranous labyrinth are separated from the cartilaginous wall of the cavum vestibulare by soft connective tissue of very loose texture, and the membranous semicircular canals lie always near the convexity of the corresponding cartilaginous canals. As a point of accuracy one may say that the prominences designated utriculo-ampullaris are not really caused anywhere by the utricle, but actually in each case by the corresponding ampulla, together with the adjacent part of the corresponding semicircular canal.


(c) The Ala temporalis (Pls. 1, 2, 3, 5, 9).

This exceedingly interesting structure projects laterally from the middle of the anterior aspect of the anterior trabeculo-cochlear commissure and soon afterwards divides into three processes, of which one, a median process, projects downwards and inwards under the anterior trabeculocochlear commissure and comes into contact with the cartilaginous part of the pterygoid (Pl. 9), and at this stage this medial process is surrounded by perichondrial bone. The remainder of the ala temporalis runs outwards into the large spheno-parietal foramen and partly breaks it up into an anterior and a posterior segment (Pls. 2, 9), of which the anterior segment persists as the superior orbital fissure (sphenoidal fissure), whilst the posterior—the representative of the fenestra pro-otica of the reptile— becomes gradually obliterated by the conversion of the membranous tissue closing it into bone belonging to the hinder part of the ala temporalis. This outwardly running part of the ala temporalis is slightly concave on its upper aspect, where it lodges the under surface of the semilunar (Gasserian) ganglion. It terminates by turning somewhat sharply upwards and dividing into two branches, of which the hinder and smaller is placed behind the mandibular division of the fifth cranial nerve and is tipped with ectochondral bone; the more anterior and much larger branch, which perhaps may be looked upon as the processus ascendens of the ala temporalis of other quadrupeds, is split by a fissure into two parts, between which the forward continuation of the stapedial artery enters the cavum cranii. This processus ascendens is not continued up so far as the orbito-parietal commissure, as was shown to be the case and so figured by Broom (Proceed. Linn. Soc. N.S.W., 1902) in Dasyurus viverrinus, but stops at some distance from it, and its place is taken by the bony alisphenoid, which has ossified ectochondrally for the most part.

The relations of the ala temporalis to neighbouring structures are of some interest. On its upper aspect lies the Gasserian ganglion, together with the first and second divisions of the fifth nerve; the mandibular division of that nerve passes through the notch between the two branches into which the horizontal part of the ala divides, the notch then being homologous with the foramen ovale; and in this connection it is interesting to note that of the three main branches of the fifth nerve only the mandibular in any sense perforates the ala temporalis either at a notch or a foramen.

Thus it is only, so far as my series go, in Carnivora and in man (? other Primates) that the maxillary division perforates the cartilage of the ala temporalis through a foramen rotundum for that purpose. In all others The Primordial Cranium of Microtus amphibius (Water-Rat) 327

that I have had the opportunity of examining, eg. Dasyurus, Tatusia, Talpa, Erinaceus, Crocidura, Lepus, Bos, Ovis, Cavia, Miniopterus, a foramen rotundum is absent,! and the mandibular nerve either passes through a notch behind the horizontal part of the ala temporalis or on its lateral aspect, or through a foramen ovale (as in Bos and Ovis). So far as muscles are concerned, in Microtus from the under aspect of the horizontal part as far outwards as the notch for the mandibular division of the fifth nerve the pterygoideus internus arises, whilst from the processus ascendens cartilaginous as well as ossified part the pterygoideus externus arises. It has already been stated that the forward continuation of the stapedial artery passes through the fissure in the processus ascendens.

Mode of Development of the Ala temporalis.

So far as this could be determined from the material at hand, the ala temporalis seems to chondrify independently, but in Talpa from the first a well-marked outrunner of dense connective tissue seems to project from the trabecula dorso-anterior to and independent of the anterior trabeculocochlear commissure, and I have been unable to make out independent chondrification here. It is quite evident, however, in Cavia and Tatusia, Bos and Felis catus, as well as in man; and in man at the 27-mm. stage all the appearances associated with early joint formation are seen—all, in fact, save the actual joint cavity. The whole appearances presented strongly suggest its homology with the palato-quadrate cartilage, as surmised by Broom and supported by Watson? and very strikingly is this view supported by the conditions observed by me in 7-mm. embryos of an unknown species of lizard from India. In man, as I pointed out in this journal, the anterior trabeculo-cochlear commissure, which may or may not actually reach the cochlear capsule (I have sections of 27-mm. human embryos which clearly show this commissure reaching the cochlea, as was seen by Jacoby) chondrifies independently and afterwards ossifies. independently. As cartilage it has been called the processus alaris in man, and as bone the lingula, but this independence is possibly a secondary condition. Owing to want of material I am unable to say how the ala temporalis of Microtus arises, nor do I know if a separate ossific centre appears in the anterior trabeculo-cochlear commissure.


1 Miss Esdaile pictures the ala temporalis of Perameles nasuta as having a foramen rotundum (Phil. Trans., Series B, vol. 207). 2 Phil. Trans., Series B, vol. 207.


Text-Fig. 3. — Part of chondrocranium of Dasyurus viverrinus, from above. 7-mm. stage.

(d) The Ala orbitalis (Pls. 1, 2, 3, 9). This structure, which becomes attached to the central stem at the hinder part of the interorbito-nasal septum, not only belongs to the appendages of that stem, but may be included amongst the lateral structures composing the primordial cranium, and it will be referred to again when these structures are described. It may be described as a large, somewhat triangular plate, whose base enters into the lateral wall of the cavum cranii, whose main mass forms a part of the floor of the cavum, and whose apical region is attached to and fused with the interorbito-nasal septum anterior to the foramen opticum. In mammals belonging to the Eutheria it is usual for the apical or medial region of the ala orbitalis to bifurcate into a limb, tenia preoptica, which passes towards the interorbito-nasal septum anterior to the optic nerve and foramen and fuses with that septum, and a limb which reaches the upper aspect of the ala hypochiasmata behind the optic foramen and so indirectly is fused with the central stem at the interorbito-nasal septum. This hinder limb is the tenia metoptica, or at all events its representative ; but in Microtus, in the specimen modelled and in the “control” specimen’ not modelled, this hinder limb does not reach the ala hypochiasmata, hence the foramen opticum is not completed posteriorly, and a condition results which recalls that of the Metatheria (Pl. 11), where no foramen opticum is present, the optic nerve passing through the superior orbital fissure (sphenoidal) accompanied by the other nerves destined to the orbit. In Microtus the tenia preoptica is very narrow, as in the mole and hedgehog, and it very closely approaches in form that of Dasyurus viverrinus, in which its mode of growth may very easily be followed, for at the 7-mm. stage its median pointed end is not fused with the interorbito-nasal septum (text-fig. 3), whereas in a stage a little older fusion has taken place. In Tatusia both tenis reach the interorbito-nasal septum, but the ala orbitalis lateral to the foramen opticum is perforated by a foramen of considerable size, though smaller than the foramen opticum, which very much recalls the foramen epiopticum of Lacerta. To return again to the general description of the ala orbitalis. Its posterior border forms the anterior limit of the common spheno-parietal foramen, and at the same time the anterior border of that part of this large foramen in front of the ala temporalis; in other words, the anterior boundary of the superior orbital fissure (sphenoidal). The anterior border of the ala orbitalis is directed towards the nasal capsule, from whose posterior wall it is separated by the orbito-nasal or ethmordal fissure (Pls. 1, 2, 3), through which the nasal (ethmoidal) nerve re-enters the cavum cranii. The outer end or base of the ala orbitalis has two basal angles, of which the anterior is prolonged forwards to meet and fuse with a like but backwardly growing process from the frontal prominence of the pars intermedia of the lateral wall of the nasal capsule (Pl. 3), and the result of fusion is the commissura spheno-ethmordalis (Pl. 3). The mode of growth of the spheno-ethmoidal commissure may be observed in Bus, for at the 19-mm. stage both the anterior basal process of the ala orbitalis and the process from the frontal prominence of the nasal capsule are separate from one another, but at the 25-mm. stage they have fused. In Ovis, according to Dursy—and I can confirm his observation on the specimens I have,—the two do not fuse, at all events in the stages I have sectioned; but it is the general rule to have a complete spheno-ethmoidal commissure, and it may be of large size. The posterior basal angle of the ala temporalis of Microtus is prolonged backwards as the orbito-parietal commissure to fuse with the parietal plate (Pls. 1, 3, 5, 7) which is developed in connection with the pars canalicularis of the auditory capsule; but where one ends and the other begins in Microtus I know not. In Tatusia the greater part of this orbito-parietal commissure grows forwards from the parietal plate, as may be seen at the 12-mm. stage, where fusion has not taken place between the parietal and orbital elements of the commissure.

(e) The Lateral Nasal Capsule.

This, though being appended to the central stem, will be considered after in the special section dealing with the nasal capsule. We may therefore at once enter upon the consideration of the lateral structures, i.e. those structures which enter more especially into the constitution of the lateral wall of the cavum cranii.

. Lateral Structures

Under this heading fall the ala orbitalis, the parietal plate, and the supraoccipital cartilage, and incidentally the commissures which bind them together, though these last fall under heading 5 of the original scheme.

The Ala orbitalis has already been fully described, so that no more may be said than that only the basal part enters into the lateral wall of the cavum.

The Parietal Plate (Pls. 3, 5, 7) is that plate of cartilage which extends upwards and forwards from the prominentia utriculo-ampullaris anterior of the pars canalicularis of the auditory capsule. It passes forwards, forming the upper boundary of the large spheno-parietal foramen, to join the posterior basal angle of the ala orbitalis. But where the actual developmental point of junction takes place is not ascertainable from the specimen or model at this age. The part arching forwards from the site of origin may be looked upon as the orbito-parietal commissure, or perhaps the whole structure leading back from the ala orbitalis to the auditory capsule might be given that name. In man no orbito-parietal commissure is formed at all, and the plate projecting from the auditory capsule is then easily termed parietal plate. Chondrification appears to take place somewhat later here than in the ala orbitalis. The inferior margin of the orbitoparietal commissure immediately over the tympanic region of the auditory capsule is arched upwards and outwards as the tegmen tympani (Pl. 3), The posterior margin of the orbito-parietal commissure (or parietal plate) is fused with the supraoccipital cartilage, helping to form the so-called tectum synoticum; but at its lower edge forms the anterior boundary of the superior occipito-capsular fissure, through which, at this spot, the lateral jugular vein runs out of the cavum cranii.

The Supraoccipital Cartilage (Pl. 3).—This structure, by joining its fellow in the middle line over the cavum cranii, forms the so-called tectum synoticum. If it develop along the same lines as it does in the calf, it must be regarded as being of large size in Microtus. It may be said to commence below, opposite the cupula posterior of the auditory capsule (Pl. 3), and is here, in common with the upper end of the exoccipital cartilage (with which it is directly fused), fused with that cupula. It spreads upwards, then divides into an anterior and a median or posterior limb. The anterior limb, which greatly increases in depth as it is traced forwards, arches over the dorsal border of the pars canalicularis of the auditory capsule, from which it is separated by the superior occipito-capsular fissure (Pl. 3), and fuses with the parietal plate or hind end of the orbito-parietal commissure along an imaginary line drawn vertically through the anterior border of the superior occipito-capsular fissure. Its inferior free margin is prolonged downwards as an operculum (Pl. 3) over the upper third of the lateral surface of the pars canalicularis, concealing from view from the outside the prominentia semicircularis anterior and the upper part of the prominentia fossee subarcuate anterior as well as part of the lateral sinus. The free under margin of the operculum affords attachment to muscles reaching the shoulder girdle. The median or posterior process arches backwards and medianwards over the cavum cranii, forming a small part of the upper margin of the foramen magnum, at the incisura posterior thereof, and joins its fellow in the mid-line; the conjoined structures of the two sides forming the so-called tectum synoticum or tectum posterius (PI. 1), perched on the upper edge of which on each side of the middle line is a small interparietal membrane bone (Pls. 1, 4). In adopting this method of description I have been guided by what happens in the calf at 19 mm. and later at 25 mm.; further, too, by the appearances in the hedgehog of 25mm. The terminology is not quite satisfactory, since primarily the tectum synoticum has nothing whatever to do with the auditory capsule, and the term tectum posterius is not quite satisfactory, because in man at the 30-mm. and perhaps some later stages there are two tecta here—one a large one which corresponds with that usually called tectum posterius, and which, as I showed some years ago, gave off a processus aseendens in the mid-line; the other is very narrow from before backwards and of considerable width from side to side, but unconnected with any other cartilage. This second cartilage was described by Bolk and confirmed by me loc. cit. Gaupp, perhaps rightly, regards this region of the chondrocranium as being in a progressive condition. On the whole, from what has been said, Parker’s original name “supraoccipital cartilage” seems the best name to adopt, more especially as that bone is developed from a considerable part of it.

The Lateral Commissures (Pl. 3)—These are from before backwards, the spheno-ethmoidal connecting the frontal prominence of the pars intermedia of nasal capsule with the anterior basal angle of the ala orbitalis, and it has been shown that it is formed equally from both, and is present in all examined save the sheep.

The orbito- or spheno-parietal commissure (Pl. 3), in the light of what has already been said, may be regarded as stretching from the posterior basal angle of the ala orbitalis to the anterior half of the upper margin of the pars canalicularis of the auditory capsule. It is to be regarded essentially as primarily a support for the temporal muscle. It forms the upper boundary of the spheno-parietal foramen.

The Occipito-capsular Commissure (Pl. 3)—This term, perhaps, may be introduced to imply that part of the anterior process of the supraoccipital cartilage which fuses with the hind margin of the parietal plate or sphenoparietal commissure. Its mode of origin is well seen in the calf at 25 mm.

The Nasal Capsule

This, rightly described by Voit as an extremely complicated structure, in Microtus is of great size and length: at the stage modelled its length is about one-third of the total length of the primordial cranium (Pls. 1, 2, 3, 9,10). It forms a striking contrast to that of man, which is very short; but in man what the nasal capsule has lost in length it has gained in height, The nasal capsule consists of a central stem and of two lateral appendages. The central stem or septum is the direct forward continuation at this stage of the central stem of the primordial cranium, and at younger stages of the interorbito-nasal part of that stem (Pls. 1, 2, 9).

The septum nasi has already been described along with the central stem ; it will therefore only be referred to from time to time as necessity demands, and we may proceed directly to the examination of the appendages, which form a roof, lateral wall, and floor to the right and left narial passages. Of these parts the lateral wall is the most complete, the roof next so, and the floor most incomplete. The lateral wall may be regarded as quite complete; the roof, however, at its hinder part is perforated by the numerous foramina cribrosa (Pls. 1, 9, 10), and in front of these by the small foramen epiphaniale (Pl. 1) on each side. At the junction of the roof and lateral wall near the anterior end of the nasal capsule a series of small fenestra dorsalia (Pl. 3) is found. The capsule opens out anteriorly on each side of the septum at the fenestra narina .(Pl. 2), whilst the floor shows a long antero-posterior vacuity, the fenestra basalis (Pl. 2); further, between the septum and the paraseptal cartilage on each side is a narrow fissure which has already been alluded to as the septo-paraseptal fisswre (Pl. 2).

The whole nasal capsule is connected in the middle line with the remainder of the chondrocranium by means of the central stem (septum nasi), and dorso-laterally by means of the spheno-ethmoidal commissures with the corresponding anterior angle of the ala orbitalis (Pls. 1,3). The hinder third or so of the capsule lies under the brain in the recent condition, and is therefore subcerebral ; the remainder is precerebral.

We may examine the capsule in the first place from the exterior, then from the interior, after dissection of the model.

Of the exterior we have to study the roof or tectum nasi, the lateral wall or paries nasi, and the floor or solum nasi,


The Tectum nasi (Pl. 1) clearly consists of a hinder, much perforated, subcerebral part forming roughly one-third of the whole, and an anterior precerebral part which is practically complete. The two are inclined at an angle with one another: thus the subcerebral part looks upwards and backwards, whereas the preecerebral part slopes gently downwards and forwards.

The hinder or subcerebral part is almost entirely formed by the two cribriform plates or lamine cribrose, separated from one another by the septum nasi and its crista galli, but behind this the tectum is complete where it forms the root of the hindmost part of the pars posterior of the capsule, of which more will be said later. Each lamina cribrosa is triangular in shape, the base of the triangle being at the septum, the shorter side antero-lateral, and the longer one postero-lateral. The anterolateral boundary is more prominent than the postero-lateral one, and can be traced from the root of the crista galli to the spheno-ethmoidal commissure. The postero-lateral border forms at the same time the anterior or lower border of the orbito-nasal fissure. In this border a slight notch is noticed which indicates the upper end of the postero-lateral sulcus of the paries nasi, to be later described (Pl. 3). This notch also marks the commencement of a crest, the crista intercribrosa, which runs obliquely from behind forwards and inwards across the lamina cribrosa, and so divides the foramina cribrosa into an antero-lateral and a postero-median group. Through the antero-lateral group the bundle of olfactory nerves from the pars intermedia of the nasal capsule runs to the olfactory bulb, whilst the postero-median foramina transmit the nerves from the pars posterior, the septum, and the organ of Jacobson, the latter especially passing through the most anterior of the foramina by the side of the septum nasi. At the anterior basal angle of the lamina cribrosa, and just lateral to the cribroethmoidal crest, a separate foramen, the foramen cribro-ethmoidale (Pl. 1), is found through which the nasal (ethmoidal) nerve leaves the cavum cranii to enter the nasal cavity.

The roof of the precerebral part of the nasal capsule (Pl. 1) descends gradually. As it is traced forwards from the region of the lamina cribrosa it is continuously blended with the dorsal border of the septum nasi, which, save at a spot just in front of the crista galli, is slightly sunk in a dorsal median sulcus. In its hinder part the tectum passes almost insensibly into the paries nasi of the pars intermedia, but more anteriorly at the pars anterior the passage into paries nasi is much more abrupt, and between the tectum and the intermediate part of the paries nasi a small foramen, the foramen epiphaniale, for the transmission of the lateral branch of the nasal (ethmoidal) nerve, is seen (Pl. 1). From this foramen a slight furrow runs forwards to reach the upper end of the well-marked sulcus antero-lateralis (Pls. 1, 3), which marks the separation of the pars intermedia from the pars anterior of the paries nasi, and which forms an important landmark as coinciding with the site of attachment of the upper limb of the crista semicircularis of the interior. At its anterior end the tectum nasi bends over on each side to form the cartilago cupularis (Pls. 2, 3), which ends below in a small spinous projection, the processus alaris swperior (Pl. 3), behind which the naso-lacrimal duct (Pl. 3) becomes confluent with the mucous membrane of the nasal sac.

The Lateral Wall of the Nasal Capsule.—Paries nasi (Pl. 3) may be divided into three parts, i.e. a pars posterior, a pars intermedia, and a pars anterior.

The Pars posterior is the smallest of all, and is separated from the pars intermedia by the postero-lateral sulcus, a curved sulcus which, commencing above at the notch above mentioned as seen in the posterolateral border of the lamina cribrosa, descends, curving forwards and downwards, behind the pars intermedia to reach the lower border of the paries nasi; it coincides in the interior with the line of attachment of the first ethmo-turbinal. From this aspect the pars posterior presents a somewhat triangular outline whose base is forwards at the posterolateral sulcus, whose apex (at the cupula nasi posterior) is jammed somewhat tightly against the antero-inferior aspect of the tenia preoptica of the ala orbitalis. Its upper side, which is directed upwards as well as backwards and is confluent at a rounded margin with the postero-lateral border of the lamina cribrosa—and marked, as before said, by a notch, the upper end of the postero-lateral suleus,—forms the anterior boundary of the orbito-nasal fissure, through which passes the nasal nerve into the cavum cranii. Its lower border is rounded and continued partly into the floor of the cupula nasi posterior and partly into the lamina transversalis posterior, which forms the greater part of the floor of the pars posterior, but will be described later. This lateral surface of the pars posterior is flattened or even hollowed out by the pressure of the contents of the orbit, and the greater part of it frequently goes by the name planwm ant. orbitale—an area which, however, is not confined to the pars posterior, for, as we shall see, it is continued on to the pars intermedia. But the pars posterior really has in addition a posterior surface which, when traced medialwards, runs directly to the interorbital septum ; it is partly tilted forwards, and forms part of a posterior tectum nasi, which has already been mentioned. Here the lateral nasal capsule is directly fused with the nasal septum, but whether this is a primary or a secondary condition I do not know.

The Pars intermedia (Pls. 1, 2, 3) projects more than any part of the paries nasi away from the nasal septum. It is limited both in front and behind by a sulcus. The sulcus in front, known as the sulcus antero-lateralis, separates it from the pars anterior, whilst the sulcus lateralis posterior separates it from the pars posterior. On closer inspection this greatly prominent pars intermedia is seen to be made up of three smaller prominences, which may be named, with Voit, the prominentia superior, the prominentia inferior, and the prominentia anterior. Each of these prominences corresponds with a hollow in the interior of the capsule (Pl. 10); thus the prominentia superior corresponds with the recessus frontalis, and might be called the prominentia frontalis additionally, because it is covered by the frontal bone. The prominentia inferior is caused by the recessus mawillaris, and covered by the maxilla, and therefore might be called the prominentia mawillaris. Faint sulci separate these various prominences from one another. The frontal prominence always gives attachment to the spheno-ethmoidal commissure. The maxillary prominence is covered to a large extent by the frontal process of the maxilla, and is crossed at first horizontally, then vertically, by the naso-lacrimal duct, and to its hinder surface and a little below its middle the musculus obliquus inferior is always attached.

The prominentia anterior, which projects forwards at the point of meeting of the maxillary and frontal prominences, is caused by the hollow marking the junction of the recessus maxillaris and frontalis on the internal aspect of the lateral wall of the nasal capsule. It is covered in front by the upper end of the frontal process of the os incisivum. The under margin of the pars intermedia is inrolled, and more posteriorly is directly continuous with the lamina transversalis posterior (Pls. 2, 9, 10), whilst more anteriorly it forms a floor to the recessus maxillaris, and more anteriorly still a floor to the recessus glandularis, just as in the rabbit as described by Voit.

The Pars anterior (Pls. 1, 2, 3).—This is the longest division of the paries nasi. It is separated, as has been before stated, from the pars intermedia by the antero-lateral ‘sulcus, a suleus which, commencing just in front of the foramen epiphaniale, arches downwards and forwards in front of and somewhat medial to the prominentia anterior of the pars intermedia, below which prominence it tends to bifurcate into two secondary sulci, of which one, the more posterior, contours the front of the prominentia maxillaris and is almost vertical, whilst the other runs obliquely downwards and forwards to end at about the middle of the lower border of the pars anterior. Between these two limbs a somewhat flattened triangular area exists which is the outer surface of a lamina of cartilage projecting downwards below the level of the maxillo-turbinal (which projects into the interior), and is consequently called the lamina infraconchalis (Pl. 3). Across the lateral surface of the lamina supraconchalis a sulcus runs which lodges the middle part of the naso-lacrimal duct, and which may therefore be named the naso-lacrimal sulcus. Above the level of the lamina infraconchalis a horizontal projection is met with which corresponds to the hollow in the interior which lies above the maxillary concha. The above-mentioned parts belong to the hinder half of the pars anterior of the paries nasi. The anterior half of the pars anterior of the paries nasi is not so deep as the posterior half, and it is marked about midway between its upper and lower margins by several small foramina which perhaps correspond with the fenestra superior of the rabbit, but do not correspond in position with the duct of the lateral nasal gland which lies against the internal aspect of the lateral wall of the nasal capsule. Of these foramina the most anterior is only separated from the fenestra narina by a very narrow bridge of cartilage. Directly below the most anterior fenestra (Pl. 3) the lower margin of this region passes into the lamina transversalis anterior (Pls. 2, 3, and fig. 1), which connects the paries nasi directly with the septum nasi, no fissure existing between the lamina in question and the septum, as in the rabbit according to Voit; there is thus in Microtus a true zona annularis. The inferior margin of the anterior half of the pars anterior may be described as consisting of three parts, viz. a hinder main part which is continuous with the anterior end of the lower margin of the lamina infraconchalis, and at the same time with the anterior end of the maxilloturbinal. It arches upwards and then downwards, and in the recent condition is hidden from external view by an outpouching of the mucous nasal sac, along whose outer edge lies the naso-lacrimal duct after leaving the sulcus on the lamina infraconchalis. When this part of the nasal sac is removed there are exposed to view from the exterior the lower part of the septum nasi and the bilaminar part of the paraseptal cartilage (PI. 3). As the lower margin is traced forwards it is found to join at an acute angle —the incisura post-transversalis (Pls. 2, 3)—the hinder edge of the lamina transversalis anterior. Then, as above mentioned, the lower border is continued into the lamina transversalis anterior, a slight sulcus, in which the naso-lacrimal duct rests, marking the point of junction of the two. In front of the lamina transversalis anterior the inferior border of the pars anterior is free, and a deep notch is formed in it, the incisura transversalis anterior (Pl. 3), at which the terminal part of the naso-lacrimal duct is confluent with the nasal mucous membrane. In front of this notch the inferior border ends at a downwardly directed process, the processus alaris _ superior (Pl. 3), which is formed at the angle of junction of the inferior border of the lateral surface with the lateral border of the fenestra narina.


The Lamina transversalis anterior (Pls. 2, 3) is a plate of cartilage of some considerable size which directly connects the lateral wall of the nasal capsule with the septum nasi, no fissure intervening between it and the septum, such as is described and figured for the rabbit by Voit. A true zona annularis therefore exists in Microtus. The lamina transversalis passes outwards from the septum nasi and then suddenly upwards to join the under margin of the lateral wall of the nasal capsule, and at the point of junction both are turned upwards into the interior of the nose to form a well-marked projection, the atrio-turbinal (Pl. 10); and the sulcus which corresponds with this on the under aspect lodges the naso-lacrimal duct.

The Processus alaris superior (Pls. 3,10) is of great size, resembling in form that of the mole. Starting out from the junction of the margin of the incisura pretransversalis with the margin of the fenestra narina by a somewhat narrow stalk, it soon deepens, to end above in an angular process and below in a somewhat similar one.

The Fenestra narina anterior (Pls. 2, 3) looks forwards and outwards and is bounded medially and in part anteriorly by an anterior cupolar cartilage (Pls. 2, 3, 9) of considerable size, which is continued back medially to the anterior part of the septum nasi, and superiorly and posteriorly is continuous with the tectum nasi.

The fenestra narina is filled at this stage in the complete condition by a solid epithelial plug.

The Floor of the Nasal Capsule (Solum nasi) (Pl. 2, fig. 1).—Owing to the large size of the lamina transversalis anterior, the lamina transversalis posterior, and the paraseptal cartilage, the floor of the nasal capsule is unusually complete, but there are vacuities in it; for instance, a long anteroposterior vacuity—the fenestra basalis—exists bounded in front by the lamina transversalis anterior, behind by the lamina transversalis posterior, medially by the paraseptal cartilage, and laterally by the lower margin of the paries nasi. The greater part of this vacuity is closed by the palatine processes of the maxilla and palate bones, only the anterior end remaining in continuity with the mouth as the primary choana, which intervenes between the os incisivum and the maxilla. Another vacuity is the septo-paraseptal fisswre, which intervenes between the paraseptal cartilage and the lamina transversalis posterior laterally and the inferolateral margin of the septum nasi medially. This fissure in the recent condition is closed above by the connective tissue attaching the upper border of the paraseptal cartilage to the septum, and it is also partly closed by the corresponding lamella of the vomer.

The Paraseptal Cartilage (Pls. 2, 3, 9, fig. 1).—This ontogenetically and perhaps phylogenetically in the mammal is double in origin, consisting of a large anterior part which is usually bilaminar, forming a sort of trough in which the organ of Jacobson rests, and which anteriorly is directly continuous with the lamina transversalis anterior, and a posterior which is attached to the lamina transversalis posterior.

At the stage modelled there is a common paraseptal cartilage stretching from the antero-median angle of the lamina transversalis posterior to the hinder border of the lamina transversalis anterior, and in its whole length its upper border is connected with the septum nasi by a band of connective tissue. Tracing from behind forwards the paraseptal cartilage (Pl. 2), one observes that its hinder part is very small and cylindrical in form and that this part is to a large extent surrounded by a bony tube derived from the vomer ; suddenly, however, the cartilage enlarges, and becomes bilaminar, consisting of a medial or septal and an inferior lamella (Pl. 3). Of the two the septal is the larger, and between them the main part of the organ of Jacobson is lodged, towards the anterior end of the organ of Jacobson; in point of fact, where the duct of that organ is being developed, the septal and inferior lamellae unite to form a short tube through which the duct runs in an outward direction to open into the nasal cavity, and beyond this point the inferior lamella is alone continued forwards to join with the lamina transversalis anterior. The anterior unilamellar part of the paraseptal cartilage is covered inferiorly by the body of the os incisivum, whilst the greater part of the inferior surface and part also of the medial surface of the inferior lamella are covered by the palatine process of that bone. The medial lamelle of the anterior paraseptal cartilages are so closely swung together posteriorly that they are only separated from one another by a narrow vertical fissure, and by the anterior end of the vomer which is insinuated between them at this spot.

The Lamina transversalis posterior (Pls. 2, 9, 10, fig. 1).—This, a large triangular plate, forms almost the entire floor of the subcerebral segment of the nasal capsule (as it does in the rabbit—Voit). The apex of this triangular plate is directed backwards to form the floor of the cupula posterior nasi. Laterally it is continuous with the lower rounded margin of the pars posterior of the paries nasi as well as the lower margin of the hindmost part of the pars intermedia. Medially it is directed towards the septum nasi, but separated from it by a fissure in which lies the corresponding lamella of the vomer, and which is to a certain extent invading it. The medial basal angle of the lamina is directly continuous with the paraseptal cartilage. The under surface of the lamina is almost completely hidden from view from below by the palatine process of the corresponding maxilla.

The Lamina transversalis anterior—The remaining cartilage which completes the solum nasi has already been described, so that nothing further may be said in that direction.

The whole solum nasi is of great interest phylogenetically as well as ontogenetically. Nothing can be said as to the latter in Microtus, as the necessary stages were not available, but an examination of models of other animals reveals some interesting facts.

In all save man the lamina transversalis anterior exists, and is variable in form with age and species. In Semnopithecus maurus, according to E. Fischer, a small lamina transversalis anterior also exists. In all orders which I have examined the lamina transversalis anterior is in direct continuity with the anterior paraseptal cartilage, until the Carnivora are reached, and here continuity fails in Mustela and Felis catus. In Homo no continuity exists at any time, and this is associated in man with deficiency of the lamina transversalis anterior, so that the fenestra basalis and the fenestra narina are confluent, forming a long fissura rostro-ventralis. In Dasyurus viverrinus the anterior paraseptal cartilage is a long pointed structure reaching along the whole length of the septum nasi almost as far as the posterior wall of the nasal capsule, at the 7-mm. stage. At a little later stage it has fused with this, and as a backward growth of the nasal sac has begun to burrow into the posterior block-like end of the nasal capsule. A lamina transversalis posterior is formed at a still later stage, where a large lamina transversalis posterior is formed, and its medial antero-basal angle is attenuated to form the posterior paraseptal cartilage, which is in direct continuity with the anterior one. In Tatusia novemcincta the anterior paraseptal cartilage alone exists in a procartilaginous condition at the 12-mm. stage, and as a backward projection of the lamina transversalis anterior ; but by the 7-mm. stage a posterior paraseptal cartilage has appeared connected in front by fibrous tissue with the anterior one, and behind with the median basal angle of the lamina transversalis posterior, also by fibrous tissue. Whether a complete common paraseptal cartilage ever exists in Tatusia I know not; probably, however, it does not. It is complete in Halmaturus (Seydel), in Dasyurus (Broom and my own observations), in Trichosurus vulpecula (Broom), in Lepus (Voit), and in Microtus, as shown in the model described. When incomplete, the part especially awanting appears to be that formed at the original junctional region between hinder wall of nasal capsule and the anterior paraseptal cartilage.

The lamina transversalis posterior is developed mainly by the thrusting back of the centre of the hinder wall of the capsule by the nasal mucous sac. It may be followed out in all its stages in Dasyurus viverrinus. At the 7-mm. stage it is non-existent; by the 9:5-mm. stage it has just begun to form in the way mentioned; and by the 25-mm. stage, so far has the posterior wall of the nasal capsule been pushed back that a large triangular lamina transversalis posterior results, and its medial basal angle, which has previously fused with the hinder-pointed end of the anterior paraseptal cartilage, is drawn out to form the slender posterior part of the resulting common paraseptal cartilage. In all the orders and species I have personally examined and modelled, a lamina transversalis posterior exists, although not in the very young stages. It is a comparatively late formation. Its presence is generally denied in Primates and man, but in a model of the chondrocranium of a 65-mm. embryo in my possession a small lamina transversalis posterior is distinctly present, and it is formed precisely as in


Text-Fig. 4. — The evolution of the paraseptal cartilages and the lamina transversalis posterior (schematic).

A. The 7-mm. stage in Dasyurus viverrinus. C. Talpa. B. The 9-mm., stage in Dasyurus viverrinus. D. Ferret, cat. and in rabbit, water-rat, Trichosurus, E. Man.

1, 4, interorbito-nasal septum ; 2, anterior paraseptal cartilage ; 3, part which, by thrusting back and hollowing out, forms posterior paraseptal cartilage, lamina transversalis posterior, and cupula posterior; 5, lamina transversalis anterior ; 6, crista semicircularis ; 7, first primary ethmo-turbinal ; 8, lamina transversalis posterior ; 9, posterior paraseptal cartilage ; 10, fibrous internal covering of common paraseptal cartilage persisting after disappearance of cartilage itself ; 11, cupula posterior.

other animals. In the schemes illustrated by fig. 4 the various forms are shown.

The Medial Aspect of the Lateral Wall of the Nasal Capsule (Pl. 10).— This, like the lateral aspect, is divisible into three parts, viz. a posterior, an intermediate, and an anterior part.

The Pars posterior or pars ethmoidalis is characterised in the first place by showing a series of parallel projections which project inwards from the lateral wall of this segment and run a course at right angles to the lamina cribrosa. These projections are the primary ethmo-turbinals, or, as sometimes termed, the endo-turbinals. In the passages between the endo-turbinals are small projections, which I term here secondary turbinals, as they develop later than the primary ones; they are the ecto-turbinals of Paulli. At this stage only one secondary turbinal is developed, and it lies at the bottom of the hollow between the first and second primary turbinals. There, however, is a hint at a second secondary turbinal between the second and third primary ethmo-turbinals. But the more precise description of these turbinals will be undertaken at a later stage, and we may now consider the boundaries of the medial aspect of the pars posterior of the nasal capsule.

Above it is roofed by the lamina cribrosa (cribriform plate) (Pls. 1, 9, 10), and especially by the postero-median division of the plate as previously described. Below it is almost completely floored by the lamina transversalis posterior (Pls. 2, 9,10). Posteriorly it is bounded by the tectum superius and the cupula posterior nasi. Its anterior limit is formed by the anterior edge of the first primary ethmo-turbinal. This edge consists of an upper and a lower slope of about equal length, the two slopes meeting in front at a prominent spur. The upper slope commences above and behind at the crista intercribrosa; the lower slope commences at the lower border of the lateral wall of the nasal capsule immediately in front of the lateral basal angle of the lamina transversalis posterior.

The Ethmo-turbinals (Pl. 10).—These, for the reason above stated, may be divided into primary and secondary. They are sometimes called endoand ecto-turbinalia, or major and minor respectively.

The primary ethmo-turbinals, at this stage at all events, are three in number, and are named from before backwards, first, second, and third; and of these the first is by far the largest, the third the smallest.

The first primary ethmo-turbinal is not only the largest, but is at the same time the most complicated of the turbinals. It springs from the medial aspect of the lateral wall of the nasal capsule by three roots, an upper, a lower, and an anterior, all of which are continuous with one another at a common centre. The upper and lower roots together form a curve convex in front, which corresponds with the sulcus lateralis posterior of the outer aspect of the lateral wall. The third root passes forwards from the point of greatest convexity of the combined upper and lower roots and forms the floor of that part of the pars intermedia which will afterwards be described as the recessus frontalis.

Beyond its roots the first primary ethmo-turbinal projects forwards and inwards, hiding from view from the medial aspect a considerable part of the pars intermedia, of which it also forms the posterior wall. It now splits into two lamelle, viz. an anterior and a posterior, of which the anterior is by far the larger, and which further differs from the posterior in that it is a triangular plate whose apex forms the prominent spur already mentioned. The posterior lamella is straight. Between these two lamella a large hollow exists which leads upwards to a special foramen for nerves. The first ethmo-turbinal in all young stages of species I have examined is unilamellar, the splitting into two being a later condition, and, according to Peter and Seydel, it may as in man remain single throughout life.

The Second Primary Ethmo-turbinal is separated from the first by a deep recess or meatus. It reaches from the lamina cribrosa above to the point of confluence of the lower root of the first primary turbinal with the lateral basal angle of the lamina transversalis posterior. At the bottom of the meatus, between the first and second primary ethmo-turbinal, the first secondary turbinal is met with; this runs parallel with the two primary ones between which it lies. The meatus in which it lies opens above to the cavum cranii by a special foramen in the cribriform plate.

The third primary ethmo-turbinal is the smallest. It starts from the hinder part of the lamina cribrosa and runs downwards and forwards to end on the medial aspect of the lateral wall at little above and behind the lateral basal angle of the lamina transversalis posterior. Behind this ethmo-turbinal is a passage which may be called the cupolar recess. It leads upwards to a foramen in the lamina cribrosa.

All these cartilaginous processes are covered by thick olfactory mucous membrane, from which nerves may be traced through the postero-median group of foramina cribrosa to the olfactory bulb.

The Pars intermedia.—This at first sight is a large crescentic or perhaps boomerang-shaped recess in the medial aspect of the lateral wall of the nasal capsule. Its convexity is placed forwards. It is bounded posteriorly by the first primary ethmo-turbinal and also to a certain extent medially by the same plate, and it is very nearly cut into two equal parts, an upper and a lower, by the anterior root of the first ethmo-turbinal. Anteriorly it is limited by a curved projection into the interior of the nose, called the crista semicircularis, which corresponds on the outer wall of the lateral wall of the nasal capsule with the greater part of the sulcus antero-lateralis. This crista semicircularis forms the common boundary between the pars intermedia and the pars anterior of the median aspect of the lateral wall of the nasal capsule. It commences above confluent with the upper end of the first primary ethmo-turbinal and cribro-ethmoidal crest at the lamina cribrosa. At its commencement it is perforated by the canal for the lateral branch of the nasal nerve, which after its passage through the cribro-ethmoidal foramen runs at first medial to the crista semicircularis as in the rabbit (Voit); then it perforates the crista, reaching its lateral side, after which it leaves the interior of the nasal capsule by running through the foramen epiphaniale. For the greater part of its course the crista semicircularis runs downwards and forwards more or less parallel with the upper slope of the anterior lamella of the first primary ethmo-turbinal. It then, opposite the spur developed on that lamella, bends sharply downwards in front of the recessus antero-lateralis of the pars intermedia, to end in a faint ridge in the. floor of the recessus maxillaris. In this respect it differs here from that in the rabbit, where, according to Voit, it forms a sort of bridge over the lateral wall of a part of the recessus maxillaris (Voit), and is the cartilaginous processus uncinatus. This does not exist in Microtus, though the faint ridge above mentioned may be regarded as its representative.

Turning now to the description of the pars intermedia itself within the boundaries as defined, we may say at once that it is to a large extent hidden from view from the medial aspect by the close approximation of the first primary ethmo-turbinal to the crista semicircularis. Taken as a whole, it is deeply recessed in the outward direction, which recessing causes the great outward projection of the lateral wall of the nasal capsule in this region, and this general recess is subdivisible into a series of smaller recesses. Two of these, viz. an upper or recessus frontalis or superior, and a lower,-the recessus maxillaris or inferior, are almost completely separated from one another by the anterior root of the first primary ethmo-turbinal. Where the said anterior root dies away in front, these two recesses communicate with one another at what is named the recessus anterior, which lies under cover (as viewed from the medial aspect) of the crista semicircularis. We have already seen that these recesses produce corresponding prominences on the exterior of the pars intermedia.

The Recessus swperior or frontalis (Pl. 10) lies above the anterior and superior roots of the first primary ethmo-turbinal, and under cover to a large extent of the crista semicircularis. It is placed almost at right angles to the recessus inferior or maxillaris, produces the prominentia frontalis on the exterior (Pl. 3), and is subdivided into three secondary recesses, which, however, are not marked on the exterior by two frontal turbinals which, running parallel with one another, are roughly parallel with the upper slope of the anterior lamella of the first primary ethmoturbinal. Each commences above at the antero-lateral part of the lamina cribrosa, and the more anterior of the two is the larger and more prominent, and reaches as far down as the anterior end of the anterior root of the first primary ethmo-turbinal. The passages or recesses into which the recessus frontalis is broken up each open by a special foramen into the cavum cranii through the antero-lateral segment of the lamina cribrosa (Pls. 1, 10).


The inferior main division of the lateral recess is subdivisible into three parts, viz. the recessus maxillaris proprius, the recessus anterior, and the recessus glandularis.

The Recessus anterior (Pl. 10) is that recess which is at the junction of the upper and lower main subdivisions of the recessus lateralis. It projects deeply forwards under the most forwardly bent part of the crista semicircularis, and causes on the exterior the prominentia anterior, which there is to a large extent hidden from view by the frontal process of the os incisivum.

The Recessus maxillaris (Pl. 10) is the largest of the three subdivisions of the inferior part of the lateral recess. It is considerably overhung from behind by the inferior root of the first primary ethmo-turbinal. Into it from the front enters the lower end (processus uncinatus) of the crista semicircularis. From its lower anterior part may be separated off the recessus glandularis (Pl. 10), which lodges the lobules of the lateral nasal gland. This is the lowest and most anterior of the subdivisions of the inferior part of the lateral recess. It is not very distinct, and it is only detinable by modelling an situ the lobules of the said gland.

The Pars anterior (Pl. 10) of the medial aspect of the lateral wall of the nasal capsule is roughly triangular in form, with its base backwards at the crista semicircularis, which thus forms its posterior boundary. It reaches forwards from this to the tip of the nose. Inferiorly and posteriorly the pars anterior is confluent with the inferior part of the pars intermedia, the site of confluence being the recessus glandularis.

The pars anterior is characterised more particularly by its great anteroposterior length, and by the projection into it of three turbinals, of which perhaps the most striking is the naso-turbinal ; the others are the maxzilloturbinal and the atrio-turbinal.

The naso-turbinal extends over quite two-thirds of the whole length of the pars anterior. Commencing at the junction of the anterior and middle thirds, it runs backwards almost midway between the upper and lower limits of this region, and it ends shortly in front of the crista semicircularis by bifurcating into an upper and a lower limb. For a very large part of its extent it is not fused to the lateral wall of the nasal capsule ; in fact, fusion only occurs anteriorly and posteriorly. The nasoturbinal may be looked upon as a convex sheet which practically divides the general concavity of the pars anterior into two equal channels, the upper of which is roofed by the tectum nasi, whilst the lower is floored by the maxillo-turbinal. It may be mentioned that, of the two hinder limbs of bifurcation, the upper is the shorter one, and is only bound to the lateral wall by fibrous tissue, whilst the longer lower limb is confluent in its whole length. Between the two limbs is a foramen through which blood-vessels and nerves run.

The Atrio-turbinal (P1. 10) commences anteriorly as an inrolling of the lateral wall of the incisura narina, which takes place just medial to the foramen superius, and is continued backwards as an invection of the lamina transversalis anterior, corresponding with the sulcus naso-lacrimalis. It comes abruptly to an end near the posterior border of the lamina transversalis anterior, a notch—the incisura mazillo-atrioturbinalis (Voit)— separating it from the anterior end of the maxillo-turbinal (Pl. 10). As in the rabbit (Voit), this notch is filled with fibrous tissue, there being no such interruption in the soft parts.

The Maxillo-turbinal (Pl. 10) commences in front, immediately behind the incisura maxillo-atrioturbinalis, as a simple, very slight inrolling of the lower border of the pars anterior, and as such is continued backwards for almost half its extent, and under its convexity one sees the nasolacrimal duct; further backwards the maxillo-turbinal runs along the upper edge of the lamina infraconchalis, which stands nearly vertically, and when the latter ceases to exist the maxillo-turbinal once more makes itself evident as the inrolled lower margin of the pars intermedia of the nasal capsule ; but here, as Voit truly remarks of the rabbit, “da in diesem Gebiete an dem mit Schleimhaut bekleideten Praparat kein Vorsprung zu bemerken ist.” But the amount of inrolling seems to be much less than in the rabbit, for the sulcus which lies above it—the sulcus supraconchalis (Pl. 10)—is very little expressed, and posteriorly that sulcus is continued into the recessus glandularis of the pars intermedia, whilst anteriorly it runs out at the incisura narina, having joined in front with the passage in the lateral wall above the naso-turbinal to form a sort of vestibule which laterally is perforated by the foramen superius.

The Naso-lacrimal Duct (Pls. 2, 3).—This, formed by the union of an upper and a lower canaliculus just above the maxillary prominence on the pars intermedia of the paries nast, passes at first horizontally forwards under the prominentia anterior, then rapidly descends, lying below the primordium of the lacrimal bone, which has only to the very slightest extent ossified, and has not been represented in the model. -The duct then descends along the front of the maxillary prominence immediately above the maxillary origin of the masseter muscle and, descending between the frontal process of the maxilla and the body of that bone, it comes to lie against the upper edge of the lamina infraconchalis in what I have previously termed the naso-lacrimal sulcus, opposite and above which in the interior of the nose is the lateral nasal gland; here it is surrounded by a vascular plexus, and is covered externally now by the body of the maxilla and by a somewhat dense sheet of connective tissue. Then, when the lamina infraconchalis dies out in front, the duct lies along the under margin of the paries nasi between that and the socket for the large incisor tooth uncovered in part by bone; next it lies above that outpouching of the nasal sac which projects below the lower margin of the paries nasi, and which is not covered laterally by any cartillage, and, coursing along in the relation just mentioned to the mucous membrane, it reaches the lateral margin of the lamina transversalis anterior, in a groove of which it lies, the groove corresponding with the atrio-turbinal. In this region it is accompanied by a small gland-like structure which opens independently into the interior of the nose and is not in any way connected with the naso-lacrimal duct; now the naso-lacrimal duct sinks into the incisura pretransversalis under cover of the descending process of the processus alaris superior, lying still below the atrio-turbinal, and suddenly ends by communicating with the nasal sac below the atrio-turbinal. At no part of its course was I able to observe any lumen in the duct.


The Nerves of the Olfactory Region

The nasal (ethmoidal) nerve enters the cavum cranii extradurally through the anterior part of the orbito-nasal fissure lying lateral (dorsal) to that bunch of olfactory nerves coming from the recessus frontalis. After a short course it gives off a lateral branch which, entering a special canal which traverses the root of the crista semicircularis, emerges on the tectum nasi at the foramen epiphaniale and later descends under cover of the nasal bone. The parent trunk passes through the cribro-ethmoidal foramen in company with a few olfactory filaments, and cannot be traced very far in the mucous membrane. It therefore coincides very closely with that of the rabbit, as described by Voit.

The Olfactory Nerves require but littlé description. They are divisible into three groups of septal, postero-median, and antero-lateral. The septal group includes the large trunks coming from the organ of Jacobson, which run from that organ obliquely upwards and backwards along the septum to enter the cavum cranii by a large slit-like foramen lying by the side of the crista galli; they ultimately enter the median anterior aspect of the olfactory bulb. The antero-lateral group leave the recessus frontalis through the foramina in the antero-lateral region of the lamina cribrosa, and in front of the cribro-ethmoidal crest, and, joining together to form a large bundle, enter the antero-lateral aspect of the olfactory bulb. The postero-median group enter the cavum cranii through the postero-median foramina behind the cribro-ethmoidal crest, and then bend forward—at all events the hindmost of them—to enter the lower and hinder part of the olfactory bulb. The bulb is hollow, and the hollow communicates posteriorly with the interior of the corresponding lateral ventricle of the brain.


Visceral Skeleton

The first visceral arch is that formed by Meckel’s cartilage, which at its hinder end passes directly into the cartilaginous malleus (Pls. 3, 9). The cartilage of Meckel is of great length, passes from the malleus in a somewhat wavy course inwards and downwards at first, then downwards and outwards; after which, bending once more inwards for a short distance, it runs almost horizontally forwards, converging on its fellow ultimately, to fuse with it and form a double- pointed common anterior extremity. For the greater part of its length it is cylindrical in form, but not far from its anterior extremity, where it is undergoing ossification, it elongates in the vertical direction ; and where it is becoming absorbed, which it does toa very large extent when incorporated within the “mandible, it assumes a crescentic form, the concavity of the crescent being outwards.


Soon after leaving the malleus cartilage Meckel’s cartilage is covered on its lateral side by the antero-superior limb of the tympanic bone (PI. 5), and in this region too it has below it the flat goniale (prearticulare) (Pls. 5, 6); on its lateral aspect, at a greater distance than the os tympanicum, is that large mass of cartilage which forms the condyle and neck of the mandible (Pls. 8, 9). The cartilage next comes more immediately into relation with the mandible, in a large deep groove (Pl. 9) of which it lies almost buried from view from the medial side. It is overhung here by the inner alveolar wall, which at its hinder end develops an accessory mass of cartilage (Pls. 3, 9); below and to its lateral side is a large accessory cartilage (Pls. 3, 9), which forms the angle of the jaw at this stage; beyond this cartilage Meckel’s cartilage sinks entirely into the mandible and remains within it as far as the foramen mentale, beyond which it again emerges on the medial side as far as its termination; on the lateral side of Meckel’s cartilage, just before its termination, a small accessory cartilage (Pls. 3, 9) is in relation to it, separating it from the bony mandible, which lies more laterally. But these accessory cartilages will be described later along with the bony mandible, because they have nothing whatever to do with the primordial cartilage of the skull.

The Malleus Cartilage (Pls. 3, 4) is of large size, forming above a head whose upper aspect is practically in continuity with the plane of the upper. margin of Meckel’s cartilage. This head is overlapped above by the tegmen tympani; posteriorly it is in articulation with the incus; below, it runs into the neck, into whose inner and lower part is inserted the tendon of the tensor tympani muscle (PI. 6), below and behind which the chorda tympani nerve runs. Below the insertion of the tensor tympani and on the lateral side a prominent processus brevis is met with (Pl. 3). The manubrium mallei below this passes downwards and forwards, following the line of the sulcus spiralis of the cochlear capsule (Pls. 3, 6).

The Incus Cartilage (Pl. 3) resembles very much the bony incus; it consists of a bony short posterior process which, together with the body, is overhung by the tegmen tympani and its downward continuation the crista parotica. The short process is lodged in a well-marked fossa incudis (Pls. 3, 6). The long process descends not quite parallel with the malleus, and, diverging at an acute angle from it, at the level of the processus brevis articulates with the stapes cartilage (Pls. 3, 6), no joint cavity at this stage intervening between the two.

The Second Visceral Cartilaginous Arch (Pls. 3, 6). — This is only imperfectly represented. Commencing with the stapes, which has the usual form and which is perforated by an enormous stapedial artery, and further has inserted into the posterior aspect of its neck the stapedius muscle, we pass, with a great break, to the stylo-hyal, which is confluent with the crista parotica and descends from this along the front of the pars canalicularis of the auditory capsule almost to the level of the processus paracondyloideus, when, after a slight interruption in continuity in cartilage, it again assumes a comparatively large calibre and bends sharply inwards under the cochlear capsule, then as cartilage it comes to an end opposite the point where the stapedial artery is given off from the internal carotid. It once more reappears at the junction of the thyro-hyal with the basi-hyal as the ceratohyal. It is separated from both by connective tissue.

The thyroid or third-arch visceral skeleton is represented by an unusually small cartilage not much larger than the cerato-hyal, and it has no connection with the thyroid cartilage (Pl. 3).

The skeleton of the fourth arch, represented by the thyroid cartilage, is of large size; its ala is perforated by a blood-vessel accompanied by the internal laryngeal nerve. Large superior and inferior cornua are present, and an enormous inferior marginal tubercle projects laterally and somewhat downwards from the middle of the inferior margin of the ala.

The skeleton of the fifth arch is represented by the cricoid, which is surmounted in the usual fashion by the arytenoid cartilages.

The epiglottis is represented as a stalked cartilage, whose blade is folded medianly, so that in section it has a somewhat V-shaped appearance. Joint cavities are developed between the arytenoids and the cricoid, but no joint cavity has as yet appeared between the inferior cornua of the ala and the cricoid.

The visceral skeleton as a whole will be dealt with later, in a subsequent communication. It may suffice to say here that it resembles much that of other Eutheria, and is probably derived from five arches as in Metatheria.


The Osseous Skeleton

The Covering Bones. — These for the most part are well developed.

Interparietalia. — Commencing behind we note the two interparietalia (Pls. 1, 4), placed near the middle line above the tectum posterius (synoticum), and separated by a considerable interval from the parietalia, as in rabbit ; a considerable space exists between the two interparietalia, which is occupied by the fibrous, non-cartilaginous roof of the cavum cranii.

Parietalia (Pl. 4).—Each is of considerable size, narrow behind, broader in front, covering the processus anterior of the supraoccipital cartilage. The upper part of the parietal plate and the hinder part of the orbito-parietal commissure each reaches towards its fellow, but does not meet it, and a considerable fibrous space is left between the two above the limits of the cartilage of the lateral wall of the cranium. A somewhat oblique coronal suture separates the frontal from the parietal bone, whilst the under edge of the parietal in its anterior half or so is overlapped by the upper edge of the squamosal (this is not shown in the model).

The Frontalia (Pls. 1, 4) are larger than the parietalia, with which they come into close contact behind ; each covers the greater part of the orbitoparietal commissure, the upper half or so of the ala orbitalis, and anteriorly passes along the spheno-ethmoidal commissure to cover a considerable part of the prominentia frontalis of the nasal capsule, on which the frontale splits into a median and a lateral part, the former of which lies over the tunnel in which is contained the lateral branch of the nasal (ethmoidal) nerve, and which opens out under this median process of the frontal bone at the foramen epiphaniale. Over the orbital fossa a slight ridge is formed on the frontal bone, which divides this part into an upper part (pars frontalis) and a lower part which forms the very oblique bony roof of the orbit (pars orbitalis). This ridge, which is not very well marked anywhere, is the arcus supraorbitalis (Pl. 4), and, unlike that of the rabbit, does not develop posteriorly a processus supraorbitalis posterior. Before passing on to the recessus frontalis of the nasal capsule, the anterior part of the frontale forms a roof to the subcentral part of the nasal capsule and so completes the cavum cranii above and in front.

The pars orbitalis projects downwards over the outer side of the upper part of the orbito-ethmoidal fissure. Postero-superiorly the frontale is separated at the upper end of the coronal suture by a wide notch filled by fibrous tissue, which is the homologue of our human bregmatic fontanelle.


The Squamosum (PI. 4) is a bone of considerable size, which consists of a large squame overlapping the lower and fore part of the parietal plate, and more anteriorly the hinder part of the orbito-parietal commissure. From its posterior end two narrow processes pass backwards, one an upper, which lies to the outer side of the parietal plate and js horizontal in position ; the other, the post-auditory process (Pls. 4, 6), crosses the lateral jugular vein superficially, then the upper parts of the malleus and incus cartilages, to reach and cover the junction of tegmen tympani with the crista parotica. In its hindmost part an accessory cartilage is developed. The upper border of the main part of the squama overlaps the lower edge of the parietal, and reaches forwards beyond that bone to the under margin of the frontale. Its anterior margin articulates with the alisphenoid, whilst the lower margin is somewhat complicated. It may be best described as bifurcating into a median and a lateral lamella (PI. 6), of which the former descends on the lateral aspect of the parietal plate and of the hinder end of the orbito-parietal commissure almost as far as the upper surface of the tegmen tympani as it lies to the medial side of the cartilaginous condyle of the mandible. This median lamella forms the medial . part of the glenoid cavity (Pl. 6). The outer lamella of the lower margin of the squama develops as the processus zygomaticus, which, after overlapping on the outer side the cartilaginous condyle of the mandible (Pl. 4), turns forwards almost horizontally as far as the coronoid process of the mandible, where it ends obliquely to support the hind end of the os zygomaticum. Nowhere in the region of the glenoid fossa is any accessory cartilage discoverable, such as is found in man and some other mammals.


The Nasale (Pls. 1, 4) lies on the dorsal aspect of the pars anterior of the nasal capsule, reaching laterally almost as far as the oblique upper anterior edge of the frontal process of the incisivum. Posteriorly it is practically coincident in extent with the frontal process of the incisivum, and, as in the mole as figured by Fischer, it bifurcates into two plates, of which the medial extends further back than the lateral. Anteriorly the nasale does not reach so far as the foramen superius, nor does it cover any of its satellites.


Here and there the two nasalia seem to be united across the middle line, more especially in the anterior part; posteriorly they recede somewhat from one another and the middle line.

The Incisiwwm (Pls. 1, 2, 4) is a very large bone, its size, as in the rabbit, depending upon the large size of the upper incisor tooth. It lies on the lateral and under aspects of the pars anterior of the nasal capsule, and may be described as consisting of a body, a frontal process, a median and a lateral palatine process. The body contains a single alveolus for the lateral large incisor tooth, there not being any germ for the median one at this stage. It covers the lamina infraconchalis and the naso-lacrimal duct, as well as the anterior part of the fenestra basalus of the nasal capsule and a considerable part of the paraseptal cartilage, but at this stage at all events does not reach so far forwards as the lamina transversalis anterior, which can be seen freely from the side in front of the medial alveolar wall of the incisor alveolus (Pls. 2,4). The upper border of the body of the incisivum is separated by a small interval from the nasale, so that part of the nasal capsule is seen between them; and if the anterior border of the body be traced upwards, it will be seen to lie in the same line as the anterior border of the nasale, the two forming the lateral boundary of the bony apertura pisiformis. Beyond this apertura pisiformis the apex of the pars anterior of the nasal capsule is projected for very nearly half its extent, so that, amongst other things, the whole of the lamina transversalis anterior, the anterior end of the incisura post-transversalis, and of the naso-lacrimal duct, as well as the fenestra superius and its satellites, are exposed to view (Pl. 4). The frontal process (Pl. 4) projects obliquely backwards into the gap between the nasale and the maxillare, but does not reach the frontale, a considerable part of the pars intermedia of the nasal capsule being exposed to view between the two (Pl. 4). The lateral palatine process is very massive; it forms the under aspect of the body of the bone and lies underneath the hinder part of the lamina infraconchalis (Pl. 2). Posteriorly it seems to blend with the maxilla, or at all events to be separated by a very fine suture from it. The processus palatinus medialis (Pl. 2) passes backwards along the medial and under aspect of the paraseptal cartilage, and can be traced along it for about half the length of the organ of Jacobson ; and almost immediately behind it and somewhat above, the vomer follows in the gap between the two paraseptal cartilages.

The Maxillare (Pls. 1, 2, 4) consists of a body, a frontal process, an outer and an inner alveolar process, a palatine process, and a zygomatic process. The body is of comparatively small size, and is perforated by an enormous infraorbital foramen, through which are exposed to view the maxillary prominence of the pars intermedia of the nasal capsule as well asa part of the naso-lacrimal duct. From the body the large triangular frontal process is continued upwards over the pars intermedia of the nasal capsule in the gap between the frontal process of the incisivum and the frontale, but it is separated by a tolerable interval from the two.

Both the anterior part of the body of the maxillare and its frontal process are curved around the anterior aspect of the pars intermedia towards the antero-lateral] sulcus of the nasal capsule.


The inferior surface of the body (Pls. 2,9) is convex, and posteriorly divides into the two alveolar processes, outer and inner. As this rounded inferior surface is traced inwards it is found to bound laterally the foramen incisivum and at the same time to form the under bony border of the paries nasi. Opposite the middle of the infraorbital foramen the body of the maxillare divides below into two backwardly directed processes, viz. the median and lateral alveolar (Pl. 9); of the two the lateral is much the smaller, but at two spots its line backwards is continued by two isolated masses of bone, one of which is placed opposite the coronoid process of the mandible, the other intervening between the one just mentioned and the hinder end of that part of the lateral alveolar process which is in continuity with the body of the maxilla. The median alveolar process, starting at the same point as the lateral one, is much the larger, and may be traced backwards as far as the hinder third of the palatinum, where it ends in a pointed posterior process. It overlaps on the outer side the angle of the palate bone at the junction of the vertical and horizontal lamine of that bone.

The palatine process of the maxilla is a horizontal shelf of bone projected towards its fellow of the opposite side, which more anteriorly it almost meets; but more posteriorly it recedes somewhat from its fellow, and it dies away as the palate bone is approached. It forms part of the floor of the ductus naso-pharyngeus. In no part of its length is it in contact with the vomer at this stage, nor is any cartilage developed along its medial border, as is so common in animals.

The zygomatic process of the maxilla projects backwards from the body of the bone opposite the hinder wall of the infraorbital canal, and it stretches away back as far as the zygomaticum, which it meets opposite the anterior border of the coronoid process of the mandible, under whose anterior oblique border it passes for some distance (PI. 4).

Before leaving the description of the maxilla one may say that, except anteriorly, the premolar and molar teeth have no bony roof to the common alveolus, but they are separated from the orbit by a thin sheet of connective tissue in which afterwards bone is doubtless developed.

Opposite the upper hinder part of the infraorbital foramen, and behind and under cover somewhat of that part of the frontal process of the maxilla, a very small os lacrimale is met with; this, as has previously been mentioned, is of very small size, and lies for the most part above the nasolacrimal duct. It has not been represented in the model.

The Os zygomaticum (Pl. 4) is a narrow bone pointed at each end; its anterior point passes fowards over the zygomatic process of the maxilla, whilst its posterior process sinks backwards under the anterior extremity of the zygomatic process of the temporal bone. From its deep side arises the zygomatico-mandibularis muscle.

The Os palatinwm (Pls. 2, 9) is a comparatively large bone which commences under the cupula posterior, in close contact with which it lies ; it is continued backwards under the trabecular and interorbito-nasal parts of the central stem as far as the front of the ala temporalis. It consists of two lamellz, one the vertical lamella or plate, which is vastly greater than the other or horizontal plate; and it is this vertical plate that by its upper border comes into contact with cupula nasi, interorbito-nasal (lamina hypochiasmata), and trabecular parts of the central stem. The vertical plate joins at right angles the horizontal plate, and from the angle of junction posteriorly a well-marked tuberosity, such as is seen in man, projects backwards and outwards along the anterior edge of the ala temporalis; medial to the vertical plate and above the horizontal plate the ductus naso-pharyngeus passes backwards. Along the lateral side of the vertical plate lies the comparatively large spheno-palatine ganglion. Along the under aspect of the horizontal plate, and not far from the tuberosity, a well-marked forwardly running groove is seen which is chiefly occupied by a large palatine vein. As one traces the vertical plate further backwards one sees on its lateral side the Gasserian ganglion, and one notices how very closely the bone approaches the floor of the cavum cranii; and in this region too the Vidian nerve lies laterally to the upper end of the vertical plate. The root of the tuberosity comes to lie over the cartilage of the pterygoid bone (parasphenoid of Gaupp), and later in front and to the outer side of the pterygoid bone itself; and at the upper edge of this region the Vidian nerve bends over it from the lateral to the median side, running between the palate bone and the central stem of cartilage, which now is being enclosed by periosteal bone (the primordium of the basi-sphenoid).

The Os pterygoideum (Pls. 2, 9) (Parasphenoid of Gaupp)—This interesting bone lies behind and medial to the hinder part of the palate bone; further, it is placed lateral to the hindmost part of the ductus naso-pharyngeus. For the most part it consists of membrane bone, but encloses everywhere, save below, a very large cartilaginous nucleus (Pls. 2, 9), the basis of the hamulus around which the tendon of the tensor palate muscle turns into the soft palate. The contained nucleus in coronal section is pear-shaped in form, with the stalk of the pear reaching up almost to make contact with the pterygoid process of the ala temporalis, only a very thin lamella of bone intervening. The bone which envelops this cartilage from above is fused at this time at its upper end with the post-sphenoidal ossification, and in the angle between the two is seen the Vidian nerve. Lateral to cartilage and bone of the pterygoid the belly of the tensor tympani may be seen, and the central skin in this region is almost devoid of cartilage, that having been absorbed for the most part.

The Alisphenoid (Pls. 2, 4, 5) is partly a covering and partly a substitution bone—formed mainly in the perichondrium along the anterior edge of the ala temporalis; it also extends along the outer edge of that cartilage as far as the tip of its posterior lateral process. Invading the anterior limb of the fissure in the processus ascendens of the ala temporalis, it on leaving this expands widely as an ossification of the representative of the membrana obturatorum ; it comes next to lie over and form a covering bone to the orbito-parietal commissure, along which it reaches anterior to the squama of the os squamosum. It does not, however, at this stage reach by a considerable distance the lower margin of the frontale. Viewed as a whole from the front in the model, the alisphenoid is seen to consist of two limnbs—one horizontal, which lies along the anterior border of the ala temporalis, from which the musculus pterygoideus internus arises ; the other almost vertical, from which the musculus pterygoideus externus arises. The upper edge of this part is overlapped by the squama of the os squamosum.

The Os tympanicum (Pls. 4, 6), a somewhat horseshoe-shaped membrane or covering bone, open behind, may be described as having two limbs, viz. an upper and a lower, which join just below and lateral to the cupula cochle. The upper limb lies below and lateral to the hind end of Meckel’s cartilage, and on its medial side the goniale is seen lying below Meckel’s cartilage. The lower limb, more cylindrical, follows very much-the inferior contour line of the first turn of the cochle, from which it is separated by a comparatively small interval. From the close relation of the hinder end of the upper limb of the tympanicum to Meckel’s cartilage, it may be looked upon as a covering bone to that cartilage. The manubrium mallei is projected into the middle of the area enclosed by the two limbs of the tympanicum.

The Goniale (Gaupp) or Prearticulare (Pls. 5, 6) is a flat membrane bone of some size, placed on the under aspect of the hinder end of Meckel’s cartilage, immediately medial to the hind end of the upper limb of the tympanicum, between which it stretches, and the tensor tympani muscle, lying just dorsal to the tympanic cavity. It is perforated from above downwards by the chorda tympani nerve rather nearer its lateral than medial side, and much nearer its posterior extremity than its anterior one. It ends behind in a pointed extremity which is in close contact with the lower aspect of Meckel’s cartilage, and its backward extent is somewhat greater than that of the upper limb of the tympanicum. Only a small part of the bone has much relation to Meckel’s cartilage—in fact, little more than its outer edge. The great part of the bone is spread over the cavity of the tympanum (mucous membrane), and it reaches so far towards the tensor tympani muscle as to give one the impression that this muscle has some connection with it. In cross section the goniale in its bestdeveloped part is of wavy outline, thin and concave upwards in its outer half, thick and concave downwards at the inner half, and subtended on its inner side by dense connective tissue in whose concavity the tensor tympani muscle lies.

The Mandibula (Pls. 2, 4, 9).—This, by far the largest bone of the skull, is composed of two symmetrical halves. Each half consists of a body which along a large part of its course divides in the upward direction to form two alveolar laminz, one medial, the other lateral, which are widely separated from one another, but at this stage no alveolar septa are formed between the teeth contained. Posteriorly the body divides into three branches, of which the middle one, mainly represented by cartilage, passes backwards to the glenoid fossa of the squamosum; another, the ascending branch, is the coronoid process, which passes upwards under cover of the os zygomaticum; whereas the third or remaining process, formed of cartilage, forms the large backwardly divided angular process.

Both the condylar cartilage and the angular one are closely invested by perichondrial bone continuous with the bone belonging to the neighbouring parts of the mandible, but both cartilages, when traced backwards, emerge from this investing bone and become surrounded by a thick covering of dense connective tissue. As the condylar cartilage is traced to its proximal extremity, its cells which are most proximal are seen to be in a much younger condition than the more distal ones, and they ultimately merge into the surrounding fibrous tissue; above this connective tissue a joint cavity is present, and above that a connective-tissue interarticular plate, and above this again another joint cavity is visible. There are no cartilage cells in the interarticular plate or disc, and the external pterygoid muscle is in part inserted into its medial edge.

As has been before mentioned, the main body of the jaw divides into two lamelle, viz. a median and a lateral; these two are the alveolar processes or walls. The inner alveolar process at its hinder end is fused with the inner side of the root of the coronoid process to form a bridge under which the inferior dental nerve runs from behind to enter the common alveolus. At its hinder end a plate of cartilage is developed in the inner alveolar wall (Pl. 9), a condition I have not observed in any other animal. Two tooth buds occupy the common alveolus, and opposite the more anterior of these Meckel’s cartilage, which at first lies in a groove on the median side of the mandible, now becomes entirely enclosed within a bony canal which, at first fenestrated, so that the cartilage is here and there visible from the inner aspect, becomes soon complete. Further forward Meckel’s cartilage once more appears on its medial side, uncovered by bone, and so runs forwards to meet and fuse with its fellow along a somewhat extensive symphysis. At the extreme anterior end of this symphysis each cartilage ends freely in a small-pointed extremity. By the side of the anterior symphyseal region of the two cartilages of Meckel, there is developed in the inner alveolar wall of the inferior incisor tooth socket an accessory cartilage which is thick enough to extend to both medial and lateral surfaces of this wall. It is partly ossified, and that by invasion from the surrounding membrane bone.

The alveolus of the large inferior incisor tooth, as might be expected, is of enormous size, and although complete behind, is laterally for a considerable distance—in fact as far as the anterior extremity of the mandible—deficient.


Above and behind the incisor alveolus an oval mental foramen is seen through which the mental branch of the inferior dental nerve emerges.

A word or two may be said regarding the inferior dental nerve, and its relation to the mandible. This nerve, after becoming free of the main mandibular nerve trunk, passes downwards and outwards between the external pterygoid muscle and Meckel’s cartilage, the latter to its medial side, and on reaching the cartilage the nerve to the mylo-hyoid muscle is given off which reaches the mylo-hyoid muscle between the lateral aspect of Meckel’s cartilage and the angular mass of cartilage. The main trunk of the inferior dental nerve, associating itself more with the medial lower edge of the condylar cartilage, enters the mandible through the inferior dental canal formed, as already mentioned, by union of the inner alveolar wall with the root of the coronoid process; proceeding outwards, it gradually sinks in level, until it more nearly approaches the angular cartilage and Meckel’s cartilage, and when the common alveolus is reached it lies under the fibrous floor of that hollow some considerable distance below the hindmost tooth bud. Later it is in fairly close relation with the medial side of the angular cartilage; later it lies between Meckel’s cartilage and the outer alveolar wall, and opposite the foremost tooth bud it divides into two terminal branches, of which the uppermost, the mental branch, rises upwards and forwards and leaves the mandible through the mental foramen ; the other branch runs forwards in the mandible to supply the incisor tooth.

The Vomer (Pl. 2).—This bone reaches from a point almost immediately behind the medial palatine process of the incisivum, but at a plane somewhat dorsal to it, on the medial aspect of the upper half of the medial lamella of the paraseptal cartilage; in section it is here V-shaped, and may then be said to lie below the septum nasi and the two paraseptal cartilages. The connective tissue in which it lies, and which is of the same form in coronal section, stretches upwards and laterally to reach on each side of the septum the fibrous tissue suspending the paraseptal cartilage from the septum ; further back the vomer is Y-shaped in section, the stem of the Y being downwards, and lying in the narrow fissure between the bilaminar parts of the paraseptal cartilages, and the two limbs reach out and upwards almost as far as the suspensory ligament of the paraseptal cartilage on each side. Further back, where the paraseptal cartilages have lost their lateral lamella, all the limbs of the Y-shaped vomer (in section) have thickened. Still further back, where the paraseptal cartilages have been reduced to narrow rods, the vomer has again been reduced to a V-shaped form, and each limb of the V now surrounds completely the corresponding paraseptal cartilage; and it is interesting to note that the fusion of the two limbs at the apex of the V is very imperfect, only here and there, in fact, hinting at a possible ontogenetic double origin of the vomer in Microtus. When the paraseptal cartilages have been traced back to their fusion with the lamina transversalis posterior, the vomer is still continued back, but now in two separate halves along the medial edge of the corresponding lamina transversalis posterior, and the cartilage here is much altered in character, presenting the appearances associated with commencing ossification in cartilage. Each half comes to an end shortly before the cupula posterior is reached, and here each half is separated by an appreciable interval from the cartilage of the lamina transversalis posterior. In the model the anterior V- and Y-shaped parts of the vomer, being so closely wedged in between the paraseptal cartilages, could not be shown.


Mixed Bones (Entochondral and Substitution Bones)

Os sphenoideum. — This is only ossified so far as the ala temporalis and post-sphenoid are concerned. The ala temporalis is only slightly invaded by perichondrial ossification along its anterior margin and along its lateral edge. This ossification is in continuity with the alisphenoid membranous ossification. At its root part, where its median ventral process (see description of ala temporalis) is found, perichondrial ossification large in amount connects it at once with the os pterygoideum and with the ossifying post-sphenoid. The os pterygoideum is therefore at an early period fused with the post-sphenoidal elements. The post-sphenoid is chiefly ossified from the investing perichondrium of the pars trabecularis. On each side of the remnant of the cranio-pharyngeal canal it is easy to see that the cartilage is in process of absorption, and it is doubtful if the cartilage here forms anything more than a framework on which perichondrial bone is deposited. As this region is followed backwards under the lobes of the pituitary body, the cartilage of the pars trabecularis is complete, and ossification of its perichondrial investment is only apparent on its upper and lateral aspects; and by the time that the basi-cranial canal through which the notochord dips down to the region of the pharynx is reached— in other words, when the hindmost limit of the pars trabecularis is reached —the post-sphenoidal ossification ceases. The post-sphenoid, then, is essentially an ossification in connection with the pars trabecularis. I do not know if it arises by two centres corresponding with the two trabecule, as I long ago confirmed in man, and which, as a matter of fact, was well known ; but it is possible that it may be so. At all events, double ossification of the post-sphenoid can be satisfactorily explained on the ground of its trabecular origin. No trace of pre-sphenoidal nor of orbito-sphenoidal ossification existed at this stage, nor have I any information regarding what happens in Microtus regarding these parts.

Os occipitale — The basi-occipital and the exoccipital and the supraoccipital are in process of ossification. The basi-occipital ossification stretches from the anterior margin of the foramen magnum almost as far as the basi-cranial canal. It is to a large extent perichondrial, but does not reach out to the lateral limit of the chordal plate. The chorda dorsalis lies immediately under the perichondrial bone of the dorsal surface of the chordal plate in its whole length. This basi-occipital ossification is narrow behind at its commencement, but widens much as it is traced forwards. The exoccipital centres are primarily perichondrial, and envelop those cartilages above, in front and below but not behind, immediately lateral to the hypoglossal canals. Ossification does not reach out as far as the paracondyloid process; not further out, in fact, than the lateral margin of the upper ganglion of the vagus nerve. Behind the hypoglossal canals it invades slightly the condyle, and beyond the posterior limit of the condyle perichondrial as well as entochondral ossification is continued up along the side of the foramen magnum ; later it is entirely perichondrial. This ceases opposite the level of fusion between the posterior pole of the auditory capsule and the exoccipital cartilage.


The supra-occipital is in process of ossification mainly perichondrial, but owing to the plane of section being coronal it is impossible to determine satisfactorily its limits,


In conclusion, it may be stated that the main comparative statements made here concerning the very young stages are based on personal investigations of those stages on specimens stained with thionin, as recommended first by Kallius (Anat. Hefte, vol. xxx., 1905, p. 9). It is by far the most delicate stain known to me for cartilage; in fact, tissue which would certainly be pronounced procartilage by hematoxylin stain stan 1s out clearly as cartilage when stained with thionin. The tissue must be quite fresh and be well fixed. The stain is as delicate for cartilage as Mallory’s stain for bone. This communication may be regarded as introductory to many others, hence but scant reference is made to literature, but it is my duty to refer here to the kindness with which my friends Professors J. P. Hill, F. Wood Jones, Arthur Robinson, and D’Arcy Thompson have placed material at my disposal ; also to the invaluable help given me by my students, Misses Casson, Neville, Brown, Llewellyn, Richmond, and Messrs Tilsley, Datta, and White, in cutting out wax plates, etc. The main illustrations have been done by Mr S. A. Sewell, whilst fig. 3 I owe to my daughter Dorothy.


The expenses of this research were to a large extent defrayed by the University of Bristol Colston Society’s Research Grant.

Plates

Cupula ant. Proc. alaris sup.

Sulc. dors. nasi.

Pars ant. ee ee ------- Nasale.

--. Proc. front. os incisiv. Sulc. ant. lat.

Duct. naso-lac.

Pars intermed. Maxillare.

For. epiphaniale. ~

For. cribro-ethmoid.

Crista galli. —— Bulbus olfact. Crista cribro-eth. ----~ ae

Comm. sph.-eth. -----Fiss. orb. nas. -Planum ant. orb. - Ala orbit. ---- Incis. optic. --- - Pars interorb. nasalis.

Ala hypochias. ypochias. - Mark Hill (talk) gg ~ >” See fl Ci it! Palatinum.

Comm. orbito-par. Cart. pteryg.

Ala temp. Pars trabecularis,

Frontale.

- } post. sphenoid.

Caps. coch.

Comm. trabee. coch. ant. For. carotic. Comm. trabec. coch. post. Fenest. basi-cran.

Fiss. basi-coch.

For. faciale. ©

Comm, suprafacialis, Meatus audit. int.

Pars chordalis.

Crista transversa.

Parietale.

Chorda dorsalis.

Proc. opercularis. For. ven. jug. lat.

Fossa subarc.

For. endolymphat.

Cart. supraocc.

Tect. craniipost. -- ---~—~ —_. Interparietale.

Microtus, from above.

Professor EDwARD FAWCETT. Journ. of Anat.] . _ , eo | [Puars II.


Cupula ant. Incis. v. fenest. narina.

Proc. alaris sup.

Lamina trans. ant.

Duct. naso-lac.

- Symphysis cart. Meckel. - Cart. parasep. Incisivum. —

- Fen. basalis.











Right half of vomer.

Mandibula. -- ~-~-=- Comm. sph.-eth. Lam. trans. post. Fiss. orbito-nasalis. — Fiss. septo-parasep.

Maxillare. ~ Zygomaticum. _

Cupula post.

Ala orbitalis (tenia preeoptica).

Notch for N. opticus.

Foram. venos.

. Ala hypochiasmata.

Palatinum. — -~ : : = --------- Pars trabecularis.

Lam. asc. alee temp. Parietale.- - Fontan. sph.-pariet.

Cart. condy]. "le Oe NG Ok _E—egs =

Cart. Meckel. : Ssass= - - Comm. trabec. coch. ant.

Cart. ang. —- Foram. carotic.

-- Tegmen tymp.

=- Comm. trabec. coch. post. —~ Cochlear caps.

—- Stapes.

Tegmen tympani.

~ Fiss. basi-coch.

~ Fossa muse. staped.

—~ Pars chordalis.

~--- Crista parotica.

—~- Comm. chordo-cochl.

—-—-- For. jugulare.

4 oss. basi-sph.

Tympanicum.

Malleus, .Stapes. -—

N. facialis. Art. staped. Proe. styloid. Bee mn Proc. paracondyl.

Can. hypogloss.


Cent. oss.

basi-oce. For. mag. Condy). occ. —

Microtus, from below.

Professor EDWARD FAWCETT. Professor EpwaRD Fawcett.

Microtus, from the left side.

The bones have been removed.



i - Cupula nasi ant, Proc. alar. sup. _ x -—=~ Proc. cup. ant. Incis. pretrans. . :

Lamin. trans. ant. .=§


Cart, access. . ....Duct. nas, lac. ~~ Fenest. dors,

Cart. parasep. ant.

Duct. nas. lac. ----—~

-~ Pars anterior, Lamina infraconch. aa on ow

Serie Beakeh sxoncee | Prom. ant. pars. = intermed, Prom. max. =~;


Sule. post. lat. .--. ~-~ Prom, front.

Planum ant. _

orbitale. ~~ ’ ---- Fiss, orb. nas.

Ala orbit. - Comm. sph.-ethm.

Cart.ang.-= \ : —>- Ala hypochiasmata.

Cricoid. => - Pars trabec,

ny? ‘=---=Proc. asc. ale temp. ->s- ---- Fontan. sph.-pariet. Thyreoid. oe ae ---~-- Cart. condyl.

Thyreo-hyal, --~-- Mark Hill (talk) Comm. orbito-pariet.

Cerato-hyal. ------- Malleus.-———= Tegmen tymp.

~—----- Parietal plate.

Art. staped. ---= =~ 1 _


SSSose-=<=—Tncus.

Proc. styloid. == ; : YIOLG. ~ Ga. ee RM - ee - ---------}-------- ~--=-- Fossa incudis.

Crista parotica.= Proc. paracondyl., = Proc. mastoid. ?~

o----3---+4-- 2 -~—-—--—-- For. ven. jug. lat."

Proc. opercul. cart.

supraoccip.

Prom. semic. lat.

‘ Fiss. occip.-caps. inf. 3 For. venos. 7” Fiss. occip.-casp. sup,

=== Cart. supraoccip,

Journ. of Anat.)

(Puate III. Journ. of Anat. ] (Puare IV.

Cupula anterior. ~~



~ Ala superior.

Processus alaris superior.

~ Ductus naso-].

Fenestra dorsalis... —












Nasale. --—

Incisivum. Proc. incis. frontalis. __


For. infraorbitale. __ ~- Cart. Meckel.

Maxillare, ___

Pars intermedia caps, nasal. - Mandibula.

Arcus supra “se ss==—=—= Palatinum Mma = =~=-=— Zygomaticum,

orbitalis, = sto" -= Frontale. -..--__— Cart. condyl. Alisphenoid. .~ ,---— Cart. ang. _. Thyreoid. Cricoid. Squamosum, Mark Hill (talk) ~~ } . -- Cerato-hyal

4 - Thyreo-hyal. 77 TT Tympanicum. Parietale. __ . . Bees Se Malleus.

-- Art, staped. +--- Incus.

- Process. styloid.

N. facialis.

Prom. semic. post. —~ Fissura occip.-caps. sup.

Interparietale. ._ _


otus from right side, showing bones in addition to cartilage.

Mi Professor Epwarp Fawcett.

Comm. trabec.-coch, ant. .—

Right half of post. sphenoid.” Mark Hill (talk) ~



Comm. orbitoparietalis, —- ~~,

_—--.- Parietal plate.

Alisphenoid, --~ Cart. Meckel. ----2

~- > Foramen acusticum superius. Goniale.

Tympanicum. ~-- Promin, semic. anterior.

>> > Prominentia utriculo-ampull. ant.

~~ — Lateral sinus.

ba ee et oe a

Pars trabecularis.,.. 2 ; se | ee

Comm, trabec.-coch. post 2 2

Right and left basi- ‘ : — cochlear fissures. a



Promin. utriculoposterior. ===> Bast

inferius.

-- Foramen si Foramen acusticum

Recessus supra-al

Foramen faciale. -cranial fenestra.

aris.

Hypoglossal canals. ngulare.

ampull.

Microtus. The right auditory capsule and environs from medial aspect.

Journ. of Anat.}

[PuaTE V. Journ. of Anat.] ee gt (Prats VI.

rs Parietal plate.

Sinus lat.








Fossa glenoid. ~~. Prom. semic. ant.

Cart. condyloid. -- ’ ‘ p - Tegmen tympani.

Ven. jug. lat. -----=Prom. foss. subare. Cart. Meckel. .— Goniale. ---..— ~ Fossa incudis.

Prom. semic. post. Crista parotica. Prom. semic. lat.

Process. styloid. Stapes.

Gang. oticum. ..-. Ala temp. .

Muse. tens. tymp. i ~ Proc. mastoid?

Manub. mallei. ~~ . N. facialis. sul ' _ ; Muse. staped. ulcus sept. -= Ram. auric. N. vagi. ~- Art. staped.

For. carotic.





Promontorium.

'

'

1

rt

Pars chordalis. } erence Plex. carotic. symp.

Art. carot. Tympanicum.

Microtus. The left auditory capsule seen from the lateral aspect, with its environs. The area enclosed by an interrupted line is the supraoccipital cartilage, with its opercular process.

Professor Epwarp Fawcett. Professor EpwaRb Fawcerr.

Parietal plate.

Ven. jug. lat, —- —

Sinus lateral, -- Prom. semic, ant. ~ Fossa subare. ant. ~ Saccus endolymph. ~~

For. crur, comm, ~~


1 i ' ' 7

\ 1 ' ! t 1

1 | ' 1 i

Foram. endolymphatic,

Promin. crur. comm.


Comm. orbito-pariet. Fovlatale.



j I i I



Cart. Meckel.

Tympanicum. ~ Goniale.

- Ala temporalis.

- - N. petros. superfic. maj. N. facialis. Comm. suprafacialis.

Comm. trabec,-coch, ant. Duct. coch.


' Foramen caroticum,




‘omm, trabec.-coch. post.

| I ' ' . 1 Fiss. basi-coch, '

l Foram, acustic. inf,

For. singulare. Prom. utric. amp. post. Prom. utric. amp. ant.

1 | ' It ! It 1

t i 1 ! 1 i ' 1

Microtus. Medial aspect of left auditory capsule, and the structures in relation with it. The membranous labyrinth is shown by interrupted lines,

Continuation of stapedial artery.

Journ. of Anat.]

(Piars VII. Journ. of Anat.) (Pate VIII.


Parietal plate.

Ven. jug. lat.

Canal. semic. ant. Ampulla canal. semicire. ant.

Amp. canal. semic. ant. Commiss. suprafacial.

N. facialis. Ampulla canal. semic. lat. Fenest. vestib.

Crista faleiformis.

Recessus sacculi. Can. semic. lat. Foot of stapes. Crista falciformis.

a Foramen si re. Fossa muse. stapedii.” n singula:

Foram. cochlez. Foramen perilymphaticum.


Ram. auric. N. vagus. N. vagi.

Microtus. Anterior half of coronal section of auditory capsule, viewed from behind.

Professor EDWARD FAWCETT. Professor EDWARD Fawcett.

Microtus.

Left half of nasal wall removed, to show especia! and appended structures.

lly the sept

um nasi


.Cupula ant.

Cart. parasept..—' Tncisivum, - - Mavxillare. Palatinum.

-~~- Lamina trans. ant. ---Tect. nasi.


Mandibula, ~ - Cart. access. - --


»-- Nasale.


Sulcus dorsalis.

Septum nasi.

Cart. pterygoid.

Lamina cribrosa. - Frontale. » Cupula post.

Lam. trans. post. Pars trabecularis. ~ Ala hypochiasmata. Ala orbitalis. Proc. pterygoideus.~ Cart. ang.

Cart. condyl]. -=

Proc. asc. alee temp. +=

Malleus.


- Incus. --- Art. staped.

Crista parotic

ae Process. styloideus.

~-— Comm. orbito-parietalis.


Journ. of Anat.]

(Pirate IX. Professor EDWARD Fawcett.

Microtus.

Medial aspect of left lateral nasal wall.


Cupula post. - —

a ~-+Lamina cribrosa,

Foramina cribrosa sept.

Ethmo-turb. 3 prim. -— Lamina trans. post. - =.» : j /..~- Comm. epheno-ethmoid.

Ethmo-turb. 2 prim.

Ethmo-turb. 1 sec.

Ethmo-turb. 1 prim | Front. turb. 2.

Recessus maxillaris.- ~ , : j ~~- Front. turb. 1.

Radix ant, ethmo-turb. __ a _ Crista semic. prim. ‘

Recessus glandularis.- + ~ Recessus anterior.

Maxillo-turbinale .


~ Naso-turbinale

Ductus naso-lacrim. ~ ~

Incis, max. atrio-turbinale. Lamina ’'trans. ant,—~—~ Mark Hill (talk)

Duct. naso-lacrim. £ Proc. alaris sup,.

Atrio-turbinale, ~4- Fenestra dorsalis.

-- —-= Cupula ant.




Cite this page: Hill, M.A. (2024, March 19) Embryology Paper - The primordial cranium of microtus amphibius (water-rat), as determined by sections and a model of the 25-mm stage (1917). Retrieved from https://embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/embryology/index.php/Paper_-_The_primordial_cranium_of_microtus_amphibius_(water-rat),_as_determined_by_sections_and_a_model_of_the_25-mm_stage_(1917)

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