jaws

Question 1

what is the name of the joint between the mandible and the skull and name the bony prominences involved

Answer 1

temperomandibular joint: TMJ

condylar process and mandibular fossa of the skull

Question 2

what is the function of the retroarticular process?

Answer 2

positioned caudal to the condylar process as a expansion of the mandibular fossa to prevent backwards dislocation

Question 3

what is the function of the fibrocartilagenous articular disc between the condylar surface and mandibular process?

Answer 3

allows for hinge like movement and translational movement

thicker in animals using grinding movements

Question 4

how does the fibrocartilagenous articular disk of the TMJ vary between herbivores and carnivores

Answer 4

thicker in herbivores due to constant lateral grinding motion

Question 5

how does the jaw position differ between carnivores and herbivores

Answer 5

herbivorese: TMJ high above occlusal plane
carnivores: joint and occlusal surfaces nearly level –> little contact between upper and lower teeth except caudally

Question 6

compare the shape of the condylar process in herbivores and carnivores

Answer 6

carnivores: rounded
herbivores: flattened, transverse

Question 7

why is the coronoid process in carnivores so much larger compared to herbivores?

Answer 7

attachment point for the large temporalis muscle

Question 8

what is the purpose of the movement at the symphyseal joint of the mandible?

Answer 8

improved cutting or crushing motions through the precise adjustments of the tooth rows

allows alternation of tooth’s cusps inclination towards opposing tooth surfaces