The zygomasseteric system in rodents is the anatomical arrangement of the masseter muscle of the jaw and the zygomatic arch of the skull. The anteroposterior or propalinal (front-to-back) motion of the rodent jaw is enabled by an extension of the zygomatic arch and the division of the masseter into a superficial, lateral and medial muscle. The four main types are described as protrogomorphous, sciuromorphous, hystricomorphous, and myomorphous.
Skull of an oriental giant squirrel. Note the classic sciuromorphous shape of the anterior zygomatic region.
Skull of a nutria demonstrating the hystricognathous lower jaw and hystricomorphous zygomasseteric system.
Gerbil skull displaying the myomorphous condition
In anatomy, the masseter is one of the muscles of mastication. Found only in mammals, it is particularly powerful in herbivores to facilitate chewing of plant matter. The most obvious muscle of mastication is the masseter muscle, since it is the most superficial and one of the strongest.
Muscles of the head and neck.
Masseter muscle. Deep dissection. Mummification process.