Studies on the skeleton of an Indian rock python (Python molurus molurus).

A dead female Indian rock python ( Python molurus molurus ) with a length of 406 cm was brought for post mortem examination to the university hospital. The carcass was buried immediately after post mortem and later on processed for preparing the bones for study. The skeleton revealed a total of 280 vertebrae with a corresponding 264 pairs of ribs. The first 2 cervical and last 14 caudal vertebrae had no ribs. The mandible was a paired bone as there was complete absence of mandibular symphysis. The outer and inner parts of each mandible had 18 backwardly directed and 5 pointed teeth. The ring shaped atlas was delicate. Ball and socket like articulations between corresponding bodies of adjacent vertebrae were seen. The sternum was absent.