Musculature of the Buccal Floor of Bipes canaliculatus (Reptilia: Amphisbaenia)

Abstract

The present study of the myology of the buccal floor of Bipes canaliculatus emphasizes the important development of the M. sternomandibularis and of the complex M. cervicomandibularis, M. depressor mandibulae. This development can be presented as characters affected by the snake-like tendency and digging specialization. In comparison to other groups of limbless sauria the changes appear small, by reason of the persistence of the fore-limbs which take over the part played by the cephalic rostrum of other amphisbaenians; therefore, the anatomical modifications are more important at the pectoral level than at the buccal floor level. Bipes is a good example of two substitutions of function: the fore-limbs lose the locomotory function and are incorporated in a group of characters responsible for a new function in burrowing normally accomplished by the cephalic rostrum. e ccal Floor of Bipes canaliculatus is ae ia)