Postorbital bone

Postorbital bone is a bone in the skull of many animals, located behind (or "posterior to") the orbital bone, which surrounds the eye socket.

Etymology

The term "postorbital" is derived from the Latin words "post", meaning "after", and "orbital", referring to the eye socket.

Structure

The postorbital bone is a part of the skull that is located behind the eye socket. It is a common feature in many animals, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. In mammals, the postorbital bone often forms a complete postorbital bar, which is a bony arch that encloses the eye socket and separates it from the braincase. In birds and reptiles, the postorbital bone may not form a complete bar, but it still plays a crucial role in supporting the skull and protecting the eye.

Function

The primary function of the postorbital bone is to provide support for the skull and protection for the eye. It forms a barrier between the eye socket and the braincase, which helps to prevent damage to the brain in case of injury to the eye or face. The postorbital bone also contributes to the overall shape and structure of the skull.

Evolution

The presence and structure of the postorbital bone can provide valuable information about the evolution of different animal species. For example, the transition from a complete postorbital bar in early mammals to a reduced or absent postorbital bone in modern primates is thought to be related to changes in brain size and shape.

See also

• Orbital bone
• Skull
• Eye socket

References

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Postorbital bone

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  Postorbital bone of a duck
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  Dromaeosaurus skull showing postorbital bone