Maximizing diductor adhension: An unusual cardinal process in Late Ordovician brachiopods from Estonia

Cardinal process is a structure on dorsal valve of brachiopods serving for separation or attachment of diductor muscles. A cardinal process with a peculiar folded myophore is described from Late Ordovician “Orthis” kukersiana−group brachiopods assigned to the genus Cyrtonotella (order Orthida). This structure differs from those of other rhynchonelliformean brachiopods and can be considered as a separate type among about twenty varieties of processes described up to now.