Notes on Dermaticranial Bones
- The palatal series of bones (11) are the dermal bones that form the roof of the mouth. These are difficult to see on the diagram and would be best viewed by looking into the mouth of the specimen.
- The quadrate (4) is the ossified caudal prtion of the palatoquatrate cartilage. The quatrate and the hyomandibular (3) are considered part of the visceral skeleton, as they do not remain part of the skull, but migrate to the inner ear and become the incus stapes.
- The jaw suspension of the Amia is Amphistyly because the hyomandibular provides only partial support for the mandibular arch.
- The opercular (2) is a characteristic bone of osteichthyes. It covers and protects the visceral aches.