Zygomasseteric system

<p>The zygomasseteric system (or zygomasseteric structure) refers to the anatomical arrangement of the <a href="/facts/Masseter_muscle/lmcC1SbQ">masseter muscle</a> and the <a href="/facts/Zygomatic_arch/KokazFsE">zygomatic arch</a> (cheek bone) in the skulls of <a href="/facts/Rodent/mT4m8QJq">rodents</a>. This system plays a crucial role in the diverse <a href="/facts/Chewing/DdgB4W6f">chewing</a> mechanics observed across rodent species. The zygomatic arch is modified to accommodate the masseter muscle, a primary muscle responsible for <a href="/facts/Jaw/6a11Csjh">jaw</a> movement. The masseter muscle itself is often divided into superficial, lateral, and medial components, allowing for a wide range of jaw motion, particularly the <a href="/facts/Anteroposterior/IpJ1fq2f">anteroposterior</a> or propalinal movement (front-to-back chewing motion) characteristic of rodents. Variations in the structure of the zygomatic arch and the masseter muscle's insertion points have led to the classification of rodents into four main zygomasseteric types: protrogomorphous, sciuromorphous, hystricomorphous, and myomorphous,: 29–32  reflecting adaptations to different dietary niches and chewing strategies.
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Zygomasseteric system open-in-new

Zygomasseteric system