Hyoid Bones?

[squeekz1992]

Do chameleons have hyoid bones? I would assume so because they project their tongues and swallow, but I have never seen a chameleon hyoid bone, I would imagine it to be tiny!!

Anyways, I'm just curious

 

[Chris Anderson]

Yes they do, but the hyoid apparatus is highly modified. You can see images of it in the first figure of this paper: http://www.chamaeleonidae.com/Curriculum_Vitae_files/Anderson 2012 - J. Morphol.pdf

Chris

 

[Trace]

Yes they do, but the hyoid apparatus is highly modified. You can see images of it in the first figure of this paper: http://www.chamaeleonidae.com/Curriculum_Vitae_files/Anderson 2012 - J. Morphol.pdf

Chris

Favourited. Nice.

I have a neat shot of the hyoid apparatus in action. Look close at the tongue and you can see the bone inside.

 

[SaintJimmy]

Tongue bones? That's a new one. I had no clue. No wonder I always see threads about injured tongues.

That is definitely cool and helps explain how they work.

 

[GabeCastro]

If you're interested in how their tongues work check out this thread & be sure to read through the comments.

https://www.chameleonforums.com/chameleon-tongues-how-they-work-brief-explanation-mechanics-77322/

I was reading this a couple weeks ago and thought you may find it fascinating.

Gabe

 

[squeekz1992]

Yes they do, but the hyoid apparatus is highly modified. You can see images of it in the first figure of this paper: http://www.chamaeleonidae.com/Curriculum_Vitae_files/Anderson 2012 - J. Morphol.pdf

Chris

That is so interesting Chris! Thanks for sharing that link with me

 

[squeekz1992]

Favourited. Nice.

I have a neat shot of the hyoid apparatus in action. Look close at the tongue and you can see the bone inside.

That is an awesome shot! I've seen that bulge on Kuzco, but was unsure if it was just a part of his jawbone. This is exciting! Chameleons are complex interesting little creatures!

 

[squeekz1992]

If you're interested in how their tongues work check out this thread & be sure to read through the comments.

https://www.chameleonforums.com/chameleon-tongues-how-they-work-brief-explanation-mechanics-77322/

I was reading this a couple weeks ago and thought you may find it fascinating.

Gabe

Thanks Gabe! Man, this is turning out to be more interesting than I had imagined!!! It also explains what I've noticed about the second after he snags a cricket. His hyoid horn!! Man this is soooo cool!!!!

 

[ChuWuti]

Great thread! I really appreciate all the links to comprehensive explanations, research papers, and photos and diagrams! The photo Trace provided really makes the hyoid clear in the living chameleon. Thanks for all the contributions everyone made--this is one of my favorite threads due to the educational information!

Sandy