Editing Synapsida (section)

===Palate===
Over time, as synapsids became more mammalian and less 'reptilian', they began to develop a [[secondary palate]], separating the mouth and [[nasal cavity]]. In early synapsids, a secondary palate began to form on the sides of the [[maxilla]], still leaving the mouth and nostril connected.

Eventually, the two sides of the palate began to curve together, forming a U shape instead of a C shape. The palate also began to extend back toward the throat, securing the entire mouth and creating a full [[palatine bone]]. The maxilla is also closed completely. In fossils of one of the first [[eutheriodont]]s, the beginnings of a palate are clearly visible. The later ''[[Thrinaxodon]]'' has a full and completely closed palate, forming a clear progression.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Hopson |first=James A. |year=1987 |title=The Mammal-Like Reptiles: A Study of Transitional Fossils |journal=The American Biology Teacher |volume=49 |issue=1 |pages=16–26|doi=10.2307/4448410 |jstor=4448410 }}</ref>