ANATOMY - Cranial Anatomy Flashcards
What are the three major regions of the skull?
Cranium
Maxilla
Mandible
What separates the flat bones of the skull?
Narrow cartilage strips known as sutures
What is the purpose of the infraorbital foramen?
The infraorbital foreman allows for the exit of the infraorbital nerve
What is the name of the structure that completes the bony orbit in herbivores?
Zygomatic process
Why do omnivores and carnivores have an incomplete bony orbit?
The orbital ligament present in the incomplete orbit allows carnivores and omnivores to open their mouths wider in order to accommodate their diet
What is the structure which seperates the nasal and incisive bone in equine, ruminant and porcine species?
Nasoincisive notch
What is the name of the structure extending from the zygomatic arch of the equine skull?
Facial crest
What is the name of the structure extending from the zygomatic arch in the ruminant skull?
Facial tuberosity
What are the two main regions of the mandible?
Ramus (vertical)
Body (horizontal)
What are the three possible processes present on the mandible?
Coronoid process
Condylar process
Angular process
Which of the mandibular processes are only present in carnivores?
Angular process
What is the purpose of the angular process in carnivores?
The angular process is an additional attachment for the masseter muscle in carnivores
What is the purpose of the mental foramina present on the mandible?
The mental foramina allow for the exit of the blood vessels and nerves which supply the lower lip
What is the purpose of the mandibular symphysis?
The mandibular symphysis is the joint attaching the left and right sides of the mandible
In which animals does the mandibular symphysis remain collagenous throughout life rather than ossify?
The mandibular symphysis remains collagenous within carnivores
What is the purpose of the mandibular notch present on the equine mandible?
The mandibular notch allows facial vessels and the parotid duct to pass through
What is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint attaching the skull and the mandible
What type of joint is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)?
Synovial joint
Which two structures articulate the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)?
The condylar process of the mandible and the mandibular fossa of the skull articulate the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
What is the name of the process located caudal to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)?
Retroarticular process
What are the three muscles of mastication involved in closing the mouth?
Temporalis
Masseter
Pterygoideus
What is the muscle of mastication involved in opening the mouth?
Digastricus
Describe the location of the temporalis muscle?
The temporals muscle originates at the temporal fossa and inserts at the coronoid process
Describe the location of the masseter muscle?
The masseter muscle originates at the zygomatic area and inserts at the lateral mandible
