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Mechanical significance of streptostyly in lizards [20]

Publication ,  Journal Article
Smith, KK
Published in: Nature
December 1, 1980

The morphology of the lizard skull has been a subject of study for more than a century, particularly with respect to the morphology and function of the major jaw adducting muscles1-5 and the mechanics of the moving parts6-9. It is possible that controversies surrounding the extent and timing of bone movement, muscle contraction and force generation will be resolved by techniques such as electromyography, cineradiography and measurement of bone strain3,10. I present here data that facilitate a reconsideration of the function of the pterygoideus muscle, one of the two major jaw adducting muscles, and the mechanical significance of movements of the quadrate around the quadrate-squamosal joint. This movement, known as streptostyly6 occurs in all living lizards11 and also characterises the earliest members of the order12-14. On the basis of my data I propose that streptostyly in lizards is a means by which the mechanical advantage of the pterygoideus muscle is increased, so that this muscle makes a major contribution to bite force. © 1980 Nature Publishing Group.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Nature

DOI

ISSN

0028-0836

Publication Date

December 1, 1980

Volume

283

Issue

5749

Start / End Page

778 / 779

Related Subject Headings

  • General Science & Technology
 

Citation

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Smith, K. K. (1980). Mechanical significance of streptostyly in lizards [20]. Nature, 283(5749), 778–779. https://doi.org/10.1038/283778a0
Smith, K. K. “Mechanical significance of streptostyly in lizards [20].” Nature 283, no. 5749 (December 1, 1980): 778–79. https://doi.org/10.1038/283778a0.
Smith KK. Mechanical significance of streptostyly in lizards [20]. Nature. 1980 Dec 1;283(5749):778–9.
Smith, K. K. “Mechanical significance of streptostyly in lizards [20].” Nature, vol. 283, no. 5749, Dec. 1980, pp. 778–79. Scopus, doi:10.1038/283778a0.
Smith KK. Mechanical significance of streptostyly in lizards [20]. Nature. 1980 Dec 1;283(5749):778–779.
Journal cover image

Published In

Nature

DOI

ISSN

0028-0836

Publication Date

December 1, 1980

Volume

283

Issue

5749

Start / End Page

778 / 779

Related Subject Headings

  • General Science & Technology