Alligator Parietal

Description

The parietal is a part of the skull roof which contributes to the midline of the skull. The dorsotemporal fenestra is formed by the lateral portions of the element. Within the fenestra is the dorsotemporal fossa, which in Alligator is the attachment of the adductor mandibulae externus profundus jaw muscle. Caudally, the temporoorbital artery (a branch of the stapedial) passes through the temporoorbital foramen into the fossa. Ventrally and medially, the middle ear cavity excavates much of the parietal.