title: Histological evidence of fusion between the posterior palatal shelves and the floor of the mouth in Alligator mississippiensis.
abstract: Unlike the anterior four-fifths of the secondary palatal shelves the posterior one-fifth grows vertically downward along the side of the tongue and unites with the floor of the mouth. This feature appears to be unique to alligators, and may be important in the development of the basihyal valve. The valve seals off the mouth from the nasal cavities, pharynx and larynx, and thus allows simultaneous breathing and capturing of prey while in the aquatic environment. This developmental feature may enhance the survival value of the species.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: M W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Ferguson
mesh_terms: D000489:Alligators and Crocodiles / Q000196:embryology*; D000818:Animals; D009060:Mouth Floor / Q000196:embryology*; D010159:Palate / Q000196:embryology*; D012104:Reptiles / Q000196:embryology*; D013045:Species Specificity