FIGURE 6.
(A) PCD-CT serial frontal sections of the right meatal recess in the live crocodile shown in Figure 4. Anteriorly, the meatal recess is open to atmosphere (arrows). The inferior acoustic earflap (if) is tilted down- and outwards (b–d). The recess closes at (e). The superior earflap (sf) forms an almost perpendicular angle (100o) at the level of the subtympanic foramen (g, SF). At this region the recess volume is larger. It corresponds to the outpouching of the earflap seen in Figure 4B (level f and g). (B) Corresponding µCT sections and levels as demonstrated in C. moreletii shown in Figure 5. The meatal recess is completely closed and both earflaps have merged (white arrows). Red dashed lines; Tympanic membrane. SF; subtympanic foramen.*; Closed meatal recess behind the eye.