24 



THE TONER LECTURES. 



of the region lies the basi-sphenoid juiictiou, which is tlie last of 

 all the sutures in this region to close. 



The under surflice of the basi-sphenoid, up to the sixth year, is 

 convex in the centre and grooved or fluted on the sides. The con- 

 vexity serves to receive the concave surfacs of the vomer, and the 

 flutings accommodate vessels and nerves. The vaginal jjrocesses, 

 the body of the sphenoid bone, and the sphenoidal processes of the 

 palatals, later in development, convert these grooves into canals. 



In some examples of crania^ the under surface of the sphenoid 

 bone continues to be convex in adult life. 



In others (972, Negro; 1043, Pawnee; 726, Seminole; 1009, 



Fio. 3. — The posterula of n Gei-man (No. 1188, A. N. S.), showiriE: fail- 

 ure of the vaginal process of the sphenoid bone and the palatal bono to reach 

 the vomer. On the right side a fissure exists between the parts named. 



1. Lateral superior foramen. 



2. Vaginal process. 



t 3. Lateral inferior foramen. 



4. Pahital bone. 



5. Vomer. 



6. Interval between vomer and vaginal and palatal elements. 



iNos. 438, 912, 27, 69, Seminole; 732, Seminole; 951, 953, Narrag. ; 43, 

 Menom. ; 118, Lenape ; 741, Mandan. 



