Natrix longivertebrata

description

Description. The basiphenoid is fragmentary. Its anterior portion, at the level of the anterior orifices of the Vidian canals approximately, is missing. The maximum width of the bone, measured between distal tips of the basipterygoid processes, is 3.7 mm. In ventral view, the basisphenoid crest is absent (Fig. 18 A, B). The basipterygoid processes are distinct. Their posterior margins are strongly extended posteriorly covering the recess housing the posterior foramina of the Vidian canals. However, a tiny proximal fragment of the left basipterygoid process is broken off, owing to which the posterior orifice of the Vidian canal as well as the cerebral foramen (for palatine branch of facial nerve, VII) are clearly visible in ventral view. In dorsal view, several foramina are visible, distributed typically of higher snakes (Fig. 18 C, D). The paired largest foramina, located at the midway between the posterior border of the bone itself and the posterior border of the pituitary fossa (sella turcica), are posterior openings for the abducens nerves (VI). The anterior openings for these nerves are situated near the postero-lateral corners of the pituitary fossa. The sympathetic nerve fora

Amphibian and reptilian fauna from the early Miocene of Echzell, Germany