The growth of the skull and jaw muscles and its functional consequences in the New Zealand rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

摘要: Between weaning and adulthood, the length height of facial skull New Zealand rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) double, whereas much less growth occurs in width face neurocranium. There is a five-fold increase mass masticatory muscles, caused mainly by cross-sectional area. The share superficial masseter total increases at cost jaw openers. are changes direction working lines few muscles. A 3-dimensional mechanical model was used to predict bite forces different mandibular positions. It shows that young rabbits able generate large wider range positions than adults directed more vertically. In adult animals, muscles differ from each other with respect degree gape which optimum sarcomere reached. Consequently, force can be maintained over gapes, larger predicted on basis individual length-tension curves. Despite considerable shape concurrent resultant closing its advantage remain stable during growth. Observed phenomena suggest development possibilities for generation increased restriction excursion.