Figure 12. The carotid circulation and vidian canal system of Dermochelys coriacea (FMNH 171756).

Three-dimensional reconstructions of the basisphenoid, right pterygoid, in (A) dorsal, (B) ventral, and (C) left lateral view. Illustration in dorsal view (D) highlighting the placement of relevant arteries, nerves, and veins. Dark colors highlight sections fully covered by bone, light colors partially or fully uncovered sections. Abbreviations: ac, arteria carotis cerebralis; aci, arteria carotis interna; am, arteria mandibularis; ap, arteria palatina; bs, basisphenoid; cci, canalis caroticus internus; ccv, canalis cavernosus; cnf, canalis nervus facialis; pt, pterygoid; vcl, vena capitis lateralis; VII, nervus facialis; VII_hy, nervus hyomandibularis; VII_vi, nervus vidiani. Note that we do not highlight the course of the mandibular artery, because the mandibular blood supply of Dermochelys coriacea is currently unknown.