Masticatory Function in the Mammals
Masticatory Function in the Mammals
复制标题
哺乳动物的咀嚼功能
DOI:
10.1177/00220345670460054601
复制
发表时间:
1967
影响因子:
7.6
通讯作者:
Karen M. Hemae
中科院分区:
文献类型:
--
作者:
Karen M. Hemae
With few exceptions,6 9'33'35 studies of the masticatory apparatus in mammals other than man have emphasized morphology of the tissues rather than their mechanism of function. This emphasis has resulted in a situation, where (because of their particular importance in mammalian phylogeny) much is known of the morphology of the teeth and of their evolution,28,43,49,54'59 something of the anatomy of the muscles of mastication 1,3,21,39 but relatively little of their action. The pattern of mandibular movement (and the role of the mandibular joints in mediating such movement) remains largely unknown. Where discussed 15,25,41'51'53'55 function has been explained on an anatomical basis. The close correlation between the morphology of the teeth, the diet, and habitat has long been recognized, and the specialized dentitions of the Mammalia associated with dietetic adaptations have been described.18'58 Although this correlation extends to the other elements of the masticatory apparatus, the variations in the morphology of the mandible, the mandibular joints and the muscles of mastication have received less attention. Few authors have attempted a functional explanation of the differences between the anatomy of the apparatus in the extant groups of mammals, still less of their evolution. Arendsen7 discusses the differences in the mandibles of carnivores and herbivores, and Becht9 shows that the orientation, site of attachment, and relative mass of the temporal, masseter, and pterygoid musculature in these groups and in rodents can be explained by the pattern of mandibular movement which is itself dependent on the type of diet and the masticatory habit. The pronounced disparity in the information available on the evolution of the masticatory apparatus and on its mechanism of function compared with that on the teeth can, in part, be explained by the preferential fossilization of the latter and on the particular interest of the problem of mammalian molar evolution. The teeth, however, are an essentially passive element in the active masticatory apparatus and are dependent on the movements of the mandible for their functional interactions. Although these movements can be determined by the careful evaluation of the wear facets produced on the teeth44'45 the actual functional cycle of the apparatus can only be ascertained by the examination and consideration of the system as a whole.