Mechanism Of Protrusion Research Articles

Coupling the dynamics of two actin networks – new views on the mechanics of cell protrusion

We study how mechanical forces integrate spatially and temporally with regulatory signals at the leading edge of migrating cells. To probe the dynamics of this system, we developed quantitative fluorescent speckle microscopy, which maps out actin cytoskeleton transport, assembly and disassembly with high spatial resolution. Statistical processing of single speckle properties revealed two kinetically, kinematically and molecularly distinct, yet spatially overlapping, actin arrays at the leading edge of migrating epithelial cells. The first network, referred to as the lamellipodium, polymerizes and depolymerizes 1-2 microm from the edge in an Arp2/3 (actin-related protein 2/3)- and cofilin-dependent fashion. The second network, referred to as the lamella, exhibits Arp2/3-independent polymerization. To elucidate the dynamic relationship between the two networks, we have begun to examine how assembly and flow are temporally modulated with respect to a protrusion event. In control cells we found bursts of protrusion preceding bursts of F-actin assembly. The time lag disappears in cells where Arp2/3-function is impaired. This and other results allowed us to propose a model in which tropomyosin protects lamella filaments from branching and severing, and to conjecture that Arp2/3-mediated lamellipodium assembly is a natural consequence of lamella expansion, but not the initiator of cell protrusion.

Coupling the dynamics of two actin networks--new views on the mechanics of cell protrusion.

We study how mechanical forces integrate spatially and temporally with regulatory signals at the leading edge of migrating cells. To probe the dynamics of this system, we developed quantitative fluorescent speckle microscopy, which maps out actin cytoskeleton transport, assembly and disassembly with high spatial resolution. Statistical processing of single speckle properties revealed two kinetically, kinematically and molecularly distinct, yet spatially overlapping, actin arrays at the leading edge of migrating epithelial cells. The first network, referred to as the lamellipodium, polymerizes and depolymerizes 1-2 microm from the edge in an Arp2/3 (actin-related protein 2/3)- and cofilin-dependent fashion. The second network, referred to as the lamella, exhibits Arp2/3-independent polymerization. To elucidate the dynamic relationship between the two networks, we have begun to examine how assembly and flow are temporally modulated with respect to a protrusion event. In control cells we found bursts of protrusion preceding bursts of F-actin assembly. The time lag disappears in cells where Arp2/3-function is impaired. This and other results allowed us to propose a model in which tropomyosin protects lamella filaments from branching and severing, and to conjecture that Arp2/3-mediated lamellipodium assembly is a natural consequence of lamella expansion, but not the initiator of cell protrusion.

Morphology and evolution of the jaw suspension in lamniform sharks

The morphology of the jaw suspension and jaw protrusion mechanism in lamniform sharks is described and mapped onto a cladogram to investigate how changes in jaw suspension and protrusion have evolved. This has revealed that several evolutionary modifications in the musculoskeletal apparatus of the jaws have taken place among lamniform sharks. Galeomorph sharks (Carcharhiniformes, Lamniformes, Orectolobiformes, and Heterodontiformes) have paired ethmopalatine ligaments connecting the ethmoid process of the upper jaw to the ethmoid region of the cranium. Basal lamniform sharks also acquired a novel single palatonasal ligament connecting the symphysis of the upper jaw to the cranium mid-ventral to the nasal capsule. Sharks in the family Lamnidae subsequently lost the original paired ethmopalatine ligament while retaining the novel palatonasal ligament. Thus, basal lamniform taxa (Mitsukurina owstoni, Carcharius taurus, Alopias vulpinnis) have increased ligamentous support of the lateral region of the upper jaw while derived species (Lamnidae) have lost this lateral support but gained anterior support. In previous studies the morphology of the jaw suspension has been shown to play a major role in the mechanism of upper jaw protrusion in elasmobranchs. The preorbitalis is the primary muscle effecting upper jaw protrusion in squalean (sister group to galeomorphs) and carcharhiniform (sister group to lamniforms) sharks. The preorbitalis originates from the quadratomandibularis muscle and inserts onto the nasal capsule in squalean and carcharhiniform sharks. Carcharhiniform sharks have evolved a subdivided preorbitalis muscle with the new division inserting near the ethmoid process of the palatoquadrate (upper jaw). Alopid sharks have also independently evolved a partially subdivided preorbitalis with the new division inserting at the base of the ethmoid process and surrounding connective tissue. Lamnid sharks have retained the two preorbitalis divisions but have modified both of the insertion points. The original ventral preorbitalis division now inserts onto the connective tissue surrounding the mid-region of the upper jaw, while the new dorsal preorbitalis division inserts onto the surrounding connective tissue and skin at a more posterior position on the upper jaw. The retractor muscle of the jaws, the levator hyomandibularis, has also been modified during the evolution of lamniform sharks. In most sharks, including basal lamniforms, the levator hyomandibularis inserts onto the hyomandibula and functions to retract the jaws after protrusion. In alopid and lamnid sharks the levator hyomandibularis inserts primarily onto the upper and lower jaws around the jaw joint and is a more direct route for retracting the jaws. Thus, there has been at least one instance of character loss (ethmopalatine ligament), acquisition (palatonasal ligament), subdivision (preorbitalis), and modification (ventral preorbitalis, dorsal preorbitalis, and levator hyomandibularis) in the ligaments and muscles associated with the jaw suspension and jaw protrusion mechanism in lamniform sharks. While derived lamniform sharks (Lamna nasus, Carcharodon carcharius, and Isurus oxyrinchus) lost the ancestral passive lateral support of the ethmoid articulation of the upper jaw, they simultaneously acquired muscular support by way of the levator hyomandibularis, which provides a dynamic mechanism for lateral support. The evolution of multiple divisions of preorbitalis insertions onto the palatoquadrate and modification of the levator hyomandibularis insertion directly onto the jaws provides an active mechanism for multiple protractions and retractions of the upper jaw, which is advantageous in those sharks that gouge or saw pieces from large oversized prey items.

The ARP2/3 complex: giving plant cells a leading edge

The seven-subunit ARP2/3 complex is an efficient modulator of the actin cytoskeleton with well-recognized roles in amoeboid locomotion and subcellular motility of organelles and microbes. The recent identification of different subunit homologs suggests the existence of a functional ARP2/3 complex in higher plants. Mutations in some of the subunits have revealed a pivotal role for the complex in determining the shape of walled cells and focused attention on the interlinked processes of cortical-actin organization, growth-site selection, organelle motility and actin-microtubule interactions during plant cell morphogenesis. The findings supporting a global conservation of molecular mechanisms for membrane protrusion have been further strengthened by the identification of plant homologs of upstream regulators of the complex such as PIR121, NAP125 and HSPC300. As discussed here, the recent studies suggest that there might be hitherto unappreciated molecular and cell-biological commonalities between protrusion mediated motility of animal cells and polarized, expansion-mediated growth of plant cells.

Anterior knee pain following intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures: does bony portal point in the sagittal plane affect the outcome?

Forty-four consecutive diaphyseal extra-articular tibial fractures (43 patients) were treated with intramedullary interlocking nail. There were 35 men and eight women with a mean age of 38 years. Average follow-up was 25 months. Cases were divided into two groups: anterior-knee-pain group, 20 knees; and no-pain group, 24 knees. The lateral projection radiographs of their tibiae were scrutinised for precise bony portal point. The distance between articular surface and tibial tubercle was divided into three equal zones. In the superior zone, six had pain and six did not. In the central zone, eight had pain and 15 did not. In the inferior zone, six had pain and three did not. There was no significant difference between anterior knee pain and the three zones of the bony entry, age, gender, mechanism of injury, dynamisation, nail protrusion, approach and union time. We conclude that bony entry point in the sagittal plane is not a significant prognostic indicator for anterior knee pain following intramedullary tibial nailing.

Feeding behavior and kinematics of the lesser electric ray, Narcine brasiliensis (Elasmobranchii: Batoidea)

Jaw protrusion is a major functional motif in fish feeding and can occur during mouth opening or closing. This temporal variation impacts the role that jaw protrusion plays in prey apprehension and processing. The lesser electric ray Narcine brasiliensis is a benthic elasmobranch (Batoidea: Torpediniformes) with an extreme and unique method of prey capture. The feeding kinematics of this species were investigated using high-speed videography and pressure transduction. The ray captures its food by protruding its jaws up to 100% of head length (∼20% of disc width) beneath the substrate and generating negative oral pressures (⩽31kPa) to suck worms into its mouth. Food is further winnowed from ingested sediment by repeated, often asymmetrical protrusions of the jaws (>70° deviation from the midline) while sand is expelled from the spiracles, gills and mouth. The pronounced ram contribution of capture (jaw protrusion) brings the mouth close enough to the food to allow suction feeding. Due to the anatomical coupling of the jaws, upper jaw protrusion occurs in the expansive phase (unlike most elasmobranchs and similar to bony fishes), and also exhibits a biphasic (slow-open, fast-open) movement similar to tetrapod feeding. The morphological restrictions that permit this unique protrusion mechanism, including coupled jaws and a narrow gape, may increase suction performance, but also likely strongly constrain dietary breadth.

Crawling toward a unified model of cell mobility: spatial and temporal regulation of actin dynamics.

Crawling cells of various morphologies displace themselves in their biological environments by a similar overall mechanism of protrusion through actin assembly at the front coordinated with retraction at the rear. Different cell types organize very distinct protruding structures, yet they do so through conserved biochemical mechanisms to regulate actin polymerization dynamics and vary the mechanical properties of these structures. The moving cell must spatially and temporally regulate the biochemical interactions of its protein components to exert control over higher-order dynamic structures created by these proteins and global cellular responses four or more orders of magnitude larger in scale and longer in time than the individual protein-protein interactions that comprise them. To fulfill its biological role, a cell globally responds with high sensitivity to a local perturbation or signal and coordinates its many intracellular actin-based functional structures with the physical environment it experiences to produce directed movement. This review attempts to codify some unifying principles for cell motility that span organizational scales from single protein polymer filaments to whole crawling cells.

Functional morphology of prey capture in the sturgeon, Scaphirhynchus albus

Acipenseriformes (sturgeon and paddlefish) are basal actinopterygians with a highly derived cranial morphology that is characterized by an anatomical independence of the jaws from the neurocranium. We examined the morphological and kinematic basis of prey capture in the Acipenseriform fish Scaphirhynchus albus, the pallid sturgeon. Feeding pallid sturgeon were filmed in lateral and ventral views and movement of cranial elements was measured from video sequences. Sturgeon feed by creating an anterior to posterior wave of cranial expansion resulting in prey movement through the mouth. The kinematics of S. albus resemble those of other aquatic vertebrates: maximum hyoid depression follows maximum gape by an average of 15 ms and maximum opercular abduction follows maximum hyoid depression by an average of 57 ms. Neurocranial rotation was not a part of prey capture kinematics in S. albus, but was observed in another sturgeon species, Acipenser medirostris. Acipenseriformes have a novel jaw protrusion mechanism, which converts rostral rotation of the hyomandibula into ventral protrusion of the jaw joint. The relationship between jaw protrusion and jaw opening in sturgeon typically resembles that of elasmobranchs, with peak upper jaw protrusion occurring after peak gape.

A Simple 1-D Physical Model for the Crawling Nematode Sperm Cell.

We develop a one-dimensional physical model of the crawling movement of simple cells: The sperm of a nematode, Ascaris suum. The model is based on the assumptions that polymerization and bundling of the cytoskeletal filaments generate the force for extension at the front, and that energy stored in the gel formed from the filament bundles is subsequently used to produce the contraction that pulls the rear of the cell forward. The model combines the mechanics of protrusion and contraction with chemical control, and shows how their coupling generates stable rapid migration, so that the cell length and velocity regulate to constant values.

Mechanisms of Protrusion and Cell Locomotion. Actomyosin-based Contraction in the Cell Body and Uropod Rather than Actin-based Motors at the Leading Front Drives Locomotion of Walker Carcinosarcoma Cells.

Earlier models explaining cell locomotion are briefly reviewed. Then, a model explaining locomotion of non-adhesive Walker carcinosarcoma cells is proposed based on the following data: 1) Walker carcinosarcoma cells, which normally form lamellipodia, can produce forces for movement by at least two distinct actin-based mechanisms, 2) Lamellipodial motility is driven by local actin polymerization, but lamellipodia and actin-based mechanisms (polymerization or contraction) at the front are redundant for locomotion, 3) actomyosin-dependent contraction at the rear (body and/or uropod) is sufficient and necessary for locomotion, 4) fluid pressure can generate protrusion (blebs), 5) an intact cortical layer at the front tends to reduce the speed of locomotion, 6) there is no biologically significant difference in the efficiency of locomotion (speed, persistence, net displacement) of migrating cells showing either lamellipodia, blebs or no morphologically recognizable protrusions, 7) polymerized actin is concentrated in the cortical actin layer. Myosin IIA is preferentially associated with the actin cortex at the rear part of the cell. The data suggest that actomyosin-based contraction in the form of cortical contraction generates protrusion and locomotion in Walker carcinosarcoma cells as previously described in Amoebae. The role of actomyosin-dependent contraction and of fluid-driven mechanisms in other metazoan tissue cell lines is discussed.

Reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton in the protruding lamellae of human fibroblasts.

To investigate the mechanisms of protrusion in vertebrate cells, the primary event in cell motility, human fibroblasts were treated with neomycin, an inhibitor of the phosphatidylinositol cycle, to induce protrusion. Changes in cell motility and the cytoskeleton were examined by video, fluorescence, scanning electron, and confocal microscopy and by cytofluorometry. Protrusion in neomycin-treated human fibroblasts is correlated with a transient overall decrease in F-actin followed by an increase in F-actin at the leading edge of the protruding lamella. In growing lamellae, F-actin is organized in a marginal band at the leading edge. Although actin is present in the lamella behind the leading edge, very little of it is F-actin. Scanning electron microscopy of detergent-extracted cells reveals a band of dense filaments at the leading edge, corresponding to the marginal band of F-actin seen in fluorescently labeled cells, and a sparse population of short, fragmented filaments, in the rest of the lamella. Gelsolin is colocalized with F-actin in the marginal band and is also present in the lamella where F-actin is largely absent. The data support the hypothesis that the protrusion is initiated by the breakdown of cortical actin filaments, possibly mediated by gelsolin, whereas expansion of the protrusion requires de novo polymerization of actin filaments at the leading edge.

Longer peptide can be accommodated in the MHC class I binding site by a protrusion mechanism.

According to current consensus, CD8(+) T cell responses are focused upon short peptide sequences (8-11 amino acids) presented by MHC class I molecules. This size restriction is thought to operate mostly at the level of peptide-MHC class I interaction. Crystal structures have shown that the free N and C termini of a bound peptide interact through hydrogen bonding networks to conserved residues at either end of the class I binding site. Accordingly, it is thought that the termini are fixed and that only minor variations in peptide size are possible through a central bulging mechanism. We find that this consensus view is not always correct as some peptide-MHC class I interaction will accept significant extensions. Furthermore, our results indicate that in some cases protrusion, rather than bulging, may be the mechanism of extension. Depending upon the particular peptide-MHC combination in question, such extensions can occur at either the N or C terminus (but never both at the same time). Finally, we show that MHC and T cell in some cases can detect the identity of the extension, i.e. that extensions may be part of the specificity of the T cell immune response. We suggest that such extensions may play a physiological role.

Kinematic analysis of jaw protrusion in orectolobiform sharks: A new mechanism for jaw protrusion in elasmobranchs.

Jaw protrusion is an important component of prey capture in fishes, although the mechanics of protrusion have thus far been studied largely in teleosts. Elasmobranchs are also able to protrude their jaws (Tricas and McCosker [1984] Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci. 43: 221-238; Tricas [1985] Mem. S. Calif. Acad. Sci. 8:81-91.; Frazzetta and Prange [1987] Copeia 4:979-993). Several related features of the feeding apparatus contribute to jaw protrusion in sharks. Labial cartilages form an extendible series attached dorsally to the anterolateral face of the palatoquadrate and ventrally to the anteroventral surface of Meckel's cartilage. The labial cartilage chain swings anterolaterally as the lower jaw is depressed, thrusting the labial margins forward to form a circular oral opening and displacing the jaw apparatus towards the food; this pattern is analogous to halecomorph and primitive actinopterygian fishes in which the maxilla swings forward (Lauder [1979] J. Zool. Lond. 187:543-578). The palatoquadrate and Meckel's cartilage also project anteriorly and represent the major contribution to protrusion. These movements occur simultaneously with enlargement of the oral cavity to generate suction. The wobbegong sharks (Orectolobidae) are specialized for jaw protrusion. The spotted wobbegong protrudes its jaw by 33% of its chondrocranial length using two different mechanical systems. In the first mechanism of jaw protrusion, the intermandibularis and interhyoideus muscles medially compress the lower jaw and hyomandibulae. Compression of the lower jaw results in a more acute symphyseal angle so that the anteroposterior alignment of the lower jaw increases due to the rotation of each lower jaw towards a saggital orientation. Distal compression of the hyomandibulae at their attachments to the jaws swings the jaws forward. The second mechanism involves rotation of the ceratohyal around a posterior process of the lower jaw, pushing the hyomandibulae anteroventrally, thereby pushing the jaw articulation ventrally and anteriorly to protrude the jaws. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Linkage Biomechanics and Evolution of the Unique Feeding Mechanism of Epibulus Insidiator (Labridae: Teleostei)

Epibulus insidiator (Pallas) possesses the most extreme jaw protrusion ever measured in fishes. Biomechanical models of the mechanisms of jaw protrusion and hyoid depression in Epibulus are proposed and tested. The models are designed using principles of four-bar linkages from engineering theory. The models calculate the geometry of the feeding mechanisms from morphometric data on cranial anatomy. Predictions made from the models about the feeding kinematics of Epibulus are tested by comparison with kinematic data. The model of the jaw mechanism is accurate in predicting the unique feeding mechanics of the jaws of Epibulus for most relationships between kinematic variables. A model of simultaneous cranial elevation and sternohyoideus muscle contraction is accurate in predicting hyoid depression during feeding. Biomechanical considerations limit the number of possible pathways of evolution of the jaw mechanism of Epibulus from that of its closest labrid relatives.

Tantulocarida (Crustacea: Maxillopoda): A New Taxon from the Temporary Meiobenthos1

Abstract. Two new genera of Tantulocarida are described from the Ligurian deep sea (Western Mediterranean) off Corsica. Xenalytus scotophilia is referred to the Microdajidae and differs from Microdajus GREVE in thoracopodal segmentation as well as in the presence of coupling spines on thoracopod 6 and longitudinal lamellae on the cephalic shield. Aphotocentor styx is placed in the Deoterthridae and holds an intermediate position between Deoterthron BRADFORD & HEWITT and Boreotantulus HI/YS & BOXSHALL. Some aspects of cephalon internal structure are described for the first time and give a possible explanation for the mechanism of stylet protrusion. The external structures of the oral disc are described using SEM. The discovery of well‐developed muscles in the trunk and thoracopods is discussed in the light of the benthic phase the tantulus passes through. The boundary between the thorax and abdomen in the tantulus is reinterpreted, corroborating the 5–7‐5 bodyplan of the hypothetical urmaxillopodan as found in the Upper Cambrian Skaracarida and possibly also Dala peilertae MOLLER. Some aspects related to dispersal, infection, and feeding are reinterpreted or approached from a different perspective. SEM of Microdajus langi GREVE gives evidence that the tantuli hatch via a conspicuous slit located at the posterior end of the female trunk sac. A worldwide key to the tantulocaridan families and genera is given, and distributional records are compiled. It is suggested that Tantulocarida might be common representatives of the temporary meiobenthos and that their present species number represents only the tip of the iceberg.

Leading edge movement and ultrastructure in mouse macrophages

The first event in the process of translocation of a cell over a substrate is the forward protrusion of a thin layer of cytoplasm, sometimes referred to as the leading edge. To gain more direct information on structural reorganizations associated with protrusion we have documented the ultrastructure of the actin cytoskeleton of mouse macrophages whose history of locomotion prior to fixation for electron microscopy had been recorded by video microscopy. It is shown that rapid protrusion is associated with the formation of a dense, diagonal network of actin filaments, lacking organized bundles. In cell edges that showed minor fluctuations back and forth over a period of 30 sec or more no dense meshworks were found: instead, a loose peripheral bundle of actin filaments was commonly observed. Cell edges that first protruded and then retracted showed a similar ultrastructure to those that exhibited only forward movement, but the width of the leading edge meshwork was, by comparison, reduced. Measurements showed that there was an approximate correlation between the leading edge mesh width and the net forward translocation observed during the terminal 30 sec, up to fixation. The results are discussed in relation to present concepts of the protrusion mechanism.

The dynamic distribution of fluorescent analogues of actin and myosin in protrusions at the leading edge of migrating Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts.

The formation of protrusions at the leading edge of the cell is an essential step in fibroblast locomotion. Using fluorescent analogue cytochemistry, ratio imaging, multiple parameter analysis, and fluorescence photobleaching recovery, the distribution of actin and myosin was examined in the same protrusions at the leading edge of live, locomoting cells during wound-healing in vitro. We have previously defined two temporal stages of the formation of protrusions: (a) initial protrusion and (b) established protrusion (Fisher et al., 1988). Actin was slightly concentrated in initial protrusions, while myosin was either totally absent or present at extremely low levels at the base of the initial protrusions. In contrast, established protrusions contained diffuse actin and actin microspikes, as well as myosin in both diffuse and structured forms. Actin and myosin were also localized along concave transverse fibers near the base of initial and established protrusions. The dynamics of myosin penetration into a relatively stable, established protrusion was demonstrated by recording sequential images over time. Myosin was shown to be absent from an initial protrusion, but diffuse and punctate myosin was detected in the same protrusion within 1-2 min. Fluorescence photobleaching recovery indicated that myosin was 100% immobile in the region behind the leading edge containing transverse fibers, in comparison to the 21% immobile fraction detected in the perinuclear region. Possible explanations of the delayed penetration of myosin into established protrusions and the implications on the mechanism of protrusion are discussed.

Form and function of the tongue in agamid lizards with comments on its phylogenetic significance.

The morphology of the tongue of agamid lizards is reviewed and discussed in the context of its functional and phylogenetic significance. It is shown that in several features, including the development of the central musculature of the tongue into a ring muscle and the presence of a genioglossus internus muscle in adults, the tongue in most agamids is derived relative to that in other squamates. In some features, such as the vertical connective tissue septa, agamids share primitive features with Sphenodon. Some conditions found in agamids are also found in anoline iguanids. Two genera, Uromastyx and Leiolepis, differ significantly from other agamids in intrinsic tongue musculature. The functional significance of the unique tongue morphology is that agamids utilize a different mechanism of tongue protrusion from that of other lizards. This mechanism involves the production of force against the lingual process, leading to an anterior slide of the tongue, and is detailed in this paper. Finally, I discuss the mechanical basis for the transformation series of tongue protrusion mechanisms from agamids to chamaeleonids. It is suggested that the mechanism of tongue protrusion in chamaeleonids is not unique, but is a highly derived state of the condition found in agamids.

Mechanics and Functions of Jaw Protrusion in Teleost Fishes: A Review

The more recent and definitive studies on the mechanics and functions of jaw protrusion in teleost fishes are reviewed. Four basic mechanisms characterize the system: In the Type A or depression of jaw protrusion, depression of the mandible pulls or pushes the premaxilla into the protruded state. The force may be transferred to the upper jaw via bones, ligaments or tendons. Twisting of the maxilla around its longitudinal axis may occur passively in this case. The Type B or maxilla utilizes twisting of the maxilla round its longitudinal axis to drive or pull the premaxilla into the protruded position. Twisting of the maxilla is initiated by either depression of the mandible or contraction of the Al division of the adductor mandibulae. In the Type C or decoupled of jaw protrusion the neurocranium is lifted independently from the premaxilla such that the premaxilla is protruded and the Type D or suspensorial abduction augments the latter two mechanisms by abducting the suspensorium to produce tension in the palatopalatine ligament, squeezing the ascending process of the premaxilla such that protrusion of the premaxilla occurs. The first mechanism is shown to be more widespread among the teleosts studied and some of the conclusions concerning the twisting maxilla model are suspect. Previous distinctions among various taxonomic groups based partly on the mechanisms of protrusion are shown to be at least partially incorrect. Hypothesized, and yet untested, functions of jaw protrusion are discussed. Protrusion may either result in a decrease in predation and/or feeding may be energetically more efficient than without it, as a result of a) greater prey capture success with protrusion, b) decreased energy necessary to capture or ingest prey. Lastly, suggestions for the future direction and methodologies of such studies are outlined.

The use of the tongue and hyoid apparatus during feeding in lizards (Ctenosaura similis and Tupinambis nigropunctatus)

The use of the tongue and hyoid is examined in cineradiographic and electromyographic investigations of feeding in two species of lizards, Ctenosaura similis (Iguanidae) and Tupinambis nigropunctatus (Teiidae). In both animals food is transported through the oral cavity by regular cycles of the tongue. Tongue movements correlate with jaw and hyoid movement. Similarities between the two animals in the use of the tongue in food transport, lapping, pharyngeal packing, and pharyngeal emptying are detailed. Mechanisms of tongue protrusion are examined and it is shown that the tongue in Tupinambis is relatively more protrusible than in Ctenosaura. This difference is complementary with data on the greater reliance of Tupinambis on the tongue as a sensory organ. Tupinambis further differs from Ctenosaura in possessing a greater mobility of the hyoid. In many features of tongue use in food transport, lizards resemble mammals, supporting postulations of a basic pattern of intra‐oral food transport. However, whether this pattern can be attributed to convergence or a common, primitive neural pattern of control cannot be distinguished. Lizards lack two major characteristics of mammalian food transport: regular masticatory cycles and an internal swallowing mechanism.