Prefrontal bone

Prefrontal Bone

The prefrontal bone is a cranial bone found in the skulls of certain vertebrates, including some extinct species such as Dromaeosaurus. It is located in the anterior part of the skull, typically forming part of the orbit and contributing to the structure of the face.

Diagram of a Dromaeosaurus skull showing the location of the prefrontal bone.

Anatomy

In species where it is present, the prefrontal bone is situated between the frontal bone and the nasal bone. It often articulates with the lacrimal bone and may contribute to the formation of the orbit by providing structural support to the eye socket.

Function

The primary function of the prefrontal bone is to provide structural integrity to the skull, particularly in the region of the orbit. It may also play a role in protecting the brain and sensory organs, such as the eyes, from mechanical damage.

Evolutionary Significance

The presence and morphology of the prefrontal bone can vary significantly among different vertebrate lineages. In some groups, such as modern mammals, the prefrontal bone is absent, having fused with other cranial elements during evolution. In contrast, it is a distinct and important feature in many reptiles and amphibians.

Paleontological Context

In the context of paleontology, the prefrontal bone is often studied to understand the evolutionary relationships between extinct species. For example, in theropod dinosaurs like Dromaeosaurus, the prefrontal bone can provide insights into the phylogenetic placement and functional morphology of these animals.

Related pages

• Frontal bone
• Nasal bone
• Lacrimal bone
• Orbit (anatomy)
• Dromaeosaurus