1. In the present work, the development of the ethmoidal region of
Varanus bengalensis has been studied in five main development stages and four intermediate stages.
2. In Stage I,44.75 mm. whole length, the skeletal elements do not appear. The organ of Jacobson appears as a bulging on the olfactory sac.
3. In stage II,52.50 mm. w.l., the nasal septum appears in continuation with the trabecula communis. The perichondrium of the nasal septum extends dorsally on both sides. The duct of the organ of Jacobson elongates and connective tissue enters into the fold of the dome. Anterior chamber becomes differentiated. (Fig.2,3)
4. In stage III,57.20 mm. w.l., extensive condensations of the parieto-tectal, paranasal, aditus conchae, rostral wings, lamina transversalis anterior and the planum antorbitale appear. Lateral recess and the conchal zone can be clearly distinguished.
5. In stage IV,75.20 mm. w.l., the perichondrial walls are being formed round the cartilages. The bilateral rostral element taking part in the formation of the nasal capsule is distinguished. The concha appears as a continuation of the aditus conchae. Recess capsule is in the course of chondrification. Foramen epiphaniale is enclosed. Cartilage of Jacobson 's organ, lachrymal ducts and maxillary processes appear. Lateral nasal gland is represented by its duct arising from the anterior chamber. There is no foramen apicale. Paraseptal cartilages, sphenethmoid commissures and planum antorbitale are getting chondrified. Condensations of alar processes appear.
6. Intermediate stages. General growth occurs. Ventral nasal gland, with a supporting process from the parieto-tectal appears. This process is named as the“Ventral Nasal Process”to distinguish it from the“Lateral Nasal Process”supporting the duct of the lateral nasal gland.
7. Stage V,104.60 mm. w.l. The nasal capsule is fully chondrified. Three cartilaginous nodules are seen no the ventral side of the anterior cupola. Ectochoanal cartilage appears.
8. In the discussion the characteristics of the varanid ethmoidal region are pointed out and their significance is explained along with a few others. Lastly a discussion on the rostral element, taking part in the formation of the nasal capsule, follows.
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