Comparative Study of the Hyoid and Tongue of some Typical Genera of Reptiles

Summary. The hyoid apparatus and tongues of fifteen reptiles are described and discussed. The patterns formed by the transverse muscles of the throat are classificatory importance, as are also the intrinsic muscles of the tongue. The study of these muscles throws new light on the position of the families Iguanidae and Chameleontidæ. The hyoid apparatus and its muscles exhibit variations too numerous to provide data of taxonomic importance. The gular structures, as well as protrusible tongues, are aided by specially modified devices of the hyoid apparatus. The mechanism of the protrusible tongues of reptiles is described. The hyoid apparatus and the muscles of the tongue and throat co‐operate in making the buccal cavity an active agent in the respiratory mechanism of most reptiles.