Mandible histology in (Temnospondyli, Stereospondyli) from the Upper Triassic of Poland.

Recent studies that have systematically augmented our knowledge of dermal bones of the Late Triassic temnospondyl amphibian have mostly focused on shoulder girdle elements and the skull. So far, histological data on the mandible are still scant. For the present study, two mandibles have been examined, using 50 standard thin sections.

Cranial suture biomechanics in Metoposaurus krasiejowensis (Temnospondyli, Stereospondyli) from the upper Triassic of Poland.

Cranial sutures connect adjacent bones of the skull and play an important role in the absorption of stresses that may occur during different activities. The Late Triassic temnospondyl amphibian Metoposaurus krasiejowensis has been extensively studied over the years in terms of skull biomechanics, but without a detailed description of the function of cranial sutures. In the present study, 34 thin sections of cranial sutures were examined in order to determine their histovariability and interpret their biomechanical role in the skull.

Cranial bone histology of (Amphibia, Temnospondyli) from the Late Triassic of Poland.

In this study, 21 skull bones of from the Late Triassic of Poland were investigated histologically. Dermal bones show a diploë structure, with an ornamented external surface. The ridges consist of mostly well vascularized parallel-fibered bone; the valleys are built of an avascular layer of lamellar bone.