FIG. 35. Notoryctes typhlops AMNH M–202103 in Transverse Canal Foramen And Pericarotid Venous Network In Metatheria And Other Mammals

FIG. 35. Notoryctes typhlops AMNH M–202103 (Notoryctidae, Notoryctemorphia), adult caudal cranium, selected coronal segments in rostrocaudal order (data source, table 2). In A and B, rostral portion of transverse basisphenoid sinus and transverse canal are fully integrated. In C and D, roof of transverse basisphenoid sinus bears a large opening (double asterisks), presumably for a venous connection, although given its rostral location it is probably not related to hypophyseal fossa. In E and F, transverse basicranial sinus continues caudally as a pair of semidistinct large pneumatic chambers. On right side a small tube for caudal branch, originating from carotid canal, opens into ipsilateral chamber, but ends quickly. In G, partition (single asterisk) within carotid canal defines two channels; lateral one leads into small tube in F, medial one into endocranial carotid foramen. Key: astp, tympanic process of alisphenoid; BS, basisphenoid; cbf, caudal branch foramen; cbtc, possible conduit for caudal branch of transverse canal; cc, carotid canal; ccs, sulcus leading into carotid canal; ctbs, caudal portion of transverse basisphenoid sinus; encf, endocranial carotid foramen; hpf, hypophyseal