FACIAL BONES OF FISHES. 



633 



(1711.) The Intermaxillary bones (17) form the greater part of the 

 margin of the jaw, and are attached by a moveable articulation to the 

 anterior extremity of the vomer. These bones are armed with nume- 

 rous sharp teeth. 



(1712.) The maocillary bones (18) are moveably articulated with the 

 last, and generally are in like manner furnished with teeth. In some 

 cases they are divided into two or three pieces. 



(1713.) Bones of the face. The bones of the face in Pishes are very 

 numerous ; but, as they are of little importance to the osteologist, a 

 bare enumeration of them will answer our present purpose, and enable 

 the student to recognize them with facility. We have first the nasal 

 bones (20) ; then a chain of bones of variable size and number (19), so 

 disposed as to form the lower boundary of the orbit, and hence named 

 suborbital bones. Behind these, again, a similar chain of ossicles is 

 not unfrequently met with, arching over the temporal fossa ; and these, 

 which are apparently peculiar to Pishes, are named the supratem- 



poral (21). 



Fig. 312. 



Cranial and facial bones of the Perch : basilar view. (After Cuvier.) 



(1714.) Ptery go -palatine and temporal system of bones. Upon each 

 side of the head is situated a somewhat complex apparatus, connected 

 on the one hand with the articulation of the lower jaw, and on the other 

 with the opercula, or gill-covers. These bones are seven in number on 

 each side. 



(1715.) The palatines (22) are easily recognizable, forming part of the 

 roof of the mouth, and generally armed with teeth. 



(1716.) Two bones are connected with the posterior edge of each 



