Vestigial pelvic bones, which aren't connected to the vertebral column, are found deep in the pelvic musculature. Manatees have no externally discernible neck. Manatees don't have external ear flaps. The opening to the ear canal is very small. Two nostrils lie on top of the head at the end of the snout.
Manatees have a large flexible upper lip.
Their lips help guide vegetation into their mouth. Each vibrissa is seperately attached to the nerve endings and has its own blood supply in the follicle. A manatee's only teeth are 24 to 32 molars located in the back of the mouth. The front molars in each row are continually being worn down by the abrasive plants that the manatee eats. As the teeth wear down, new molars grow in the back of the mouth and move forward.