THE COMPARATIVE MORPHOLOGY OF THE INTERMANDIBULAR CONNECTIVE-TISSUE IN SNAKES (REPTILIA, SQUAMATA)

The mandibular symphyseal region was examined in 212 snake specimens, representing 184 species and 134 genera. Species examined represent ev ery major feeding specializations described in snakes, as well as each major taxonomic group. The connective tissue linkage between the cont ralateral dentaries and the midline raphe was examined histologically. Four major anatomical structures were observed in this region: Meckel 's cartilage; an isolated nodule of hyaline cartilage termed the carti lagio symphyseum; a cluster of dense irregular connective tissue terme d the perpendicular band; and a ribbon of dense regular connective tis sue termed the lateral band. Significant morphological variation was o bserved in each of these four morphological elements. Many of these mo rphological variations were closely correlated to taxonomic groups at different levels. Different combinations of these four morphological e lements are used to describe 7 morphological suites within the symphys eal region of snakes.