Evolutionary diversification of cranial and spinal nerves and their targets in the gymnophione amphibians.
The ancestral gymnophione (caecilian) became elongate and limbless early in its history. Further structural reduction, including loss of components, followed by redirection and occasionally cooption of remaining structures, particularly muscles and nerves, has evolved. Function may remain that of the ancestral condition, or may change dramatically. Examples include the evolution of the tentacle, the jaw-closing apparatus, and the hypobranchial musculature, including their innervation. 'Regressive' evolution has provided opportunity for new structural-functional relationships and for increased variation.