The Metotic Cartilage and the Metotic Fissure in the Penguin

Abstract

According to Crompton's (1953) description of the ontogeny of the chondrocranium of the jackass penguin (Spheniscus demersus), this form differs from other birds in certain aspects of the development of the metotic region; 1) The development of the metotic cartilage is unique as it appears to be a process of the ear capsule and 2) the vagus nerve leaves the skull through a foramen in the basal plate and not through the metotic fissure.