Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

[[Image:Deer Skull with Antlers.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Deer Skull - Copyright nabrown RVC]]

[[Image:Deer Skull with Antlers.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Deer Skull - Copyright nabrown RVC]]

The shape and size of the skull varies widely, not only between species but also with age, breed and sex of similar species. The skull is divided into three components- the neurocranium, the dermatocranium and the viscerocranium. The skull also includes the [[Hyoid Apparatus - Anatomy & Physiology|hyoid apparatus]], mandible, ossicles of the middle [[Special Senses - Auditory - Anatomy & Physiology|ear]] and the cartilage of the [[Larynx - Anatomy & Physiology|larynx]], nose and [[Special Senses - Auditory - Anatomy & Physiology|ear]]. The skull protects the brain and head against injury and supports the structures of the face. In some animals the skull is also used for defensive actions, for example in [[Anatomy & Physiology of the Horn|horned]] ungulates such as red deer stags.  

The shape and size of the skull varies widely, not only between species but also with age, breed and sex of similar species. The skull is divided into three components- the neurocranium, the dermatocranium and the viscerocranium. The skull also includes the [[Hyoid Apparatus - Anatomy & Physiology|hyoid apparatus]], mandible, ossicles of the middle [[Special Senses - Auditory - Anatomy & Physiology|ear]] and the cartilage of the [[Larynx - Anatomy & Physiology|larynx]], nose and [[Special Senses - Auditory - Anatomy & Physiology|ear]]. The skull protects the brain and head against injury and supports the structures of the face. In some animals the skull is also used for defensive actions, for example in [[Horn - Anatomy & Physiology|horned]] ungulates such as red deer stags.  

The neurocranium develops from the neural crest and mesoderm and undergoes  endochondral ossification. It lies ventral to the brain.

The neurocranium develops from the neural crest and mesoderm and undergoes  endochondral ossification. It lies ventral to the brain.

**Lacrimal gland present

**Lacrimal gland present

**Temporal line present which extends into the external sagittal crest

**Temporal line present which extends into the external sagittal crest

**Cornual processes in [[Anatomy & Physiology of the Horn|horned]] ruminants

**Cornual processes in [[Horn - Anatomy & Physiology|horned]] ruminants

*The nasal section is the rostral part of the frontal bone

*The nasal section is the rostral part of the frontal bone

*Skull is short and wide

*Skull is short and wide

*[[Anatomy & Physiology of the Horn|Cornual]] process on frontal bone

*[[Horn - Anatomy & Physiology|Cornual]] process on frontal bone

*Nuchal crest reduced to nuchal line

*Nuchal crest reduced to nuchal line