Lab 10- Mammal Skulls and Dichotomous Keys

coronoid process

a flat structure sticking up from the lower jaw

mandible

lower jaw bone

zygomatic arch

provides protection for eye and attachment point for masseter muscle to chew

post orbital process

attachment points for anterior temporalis muscle

orbit

eye socket

pre molars

teeth situated between canines and molars

zygomatic arch

incisors

anterior most teeth of mammals

canines

molars

never replaced, teeth after premolars

orbit

eye socket

auditory bulla

aids in hearing for animals

process

any bony structure that sticks out forming a place for muscle to attach

fossa

an indentation in a bone, socket part of ball and socket joint

condyle

the convex part of the joint, ball part of the ball and socket join

cheek teeth

in some animals, molars and premolars are difficult to distinguish and are referred to as cheek teeth

teeth formula

2 incisors, 1 canine, 2 premolars, 3 molars

herbivores (prey)

flat molars, small or no canines, small incisors

carnivores (predator)

large canines, molars and premolars very sharp, have all teeth

omnivores

all four types of teeth, teeth in front are sharp, molars are flat and wide

hearing

relative size of auditory bullae can indicate strength of mammals hearing

vision

relative size of orbits may indicate streth of eyesight of an animal

smell

length of rostrum, size of nasal vacuity, may indicate strength of animals sense of smell

mandibular condyle

on the mandible, the convex part of the hinge joint for the jaw

sagittal crest

a ridge along the top of the skull where the parietal bones meet in the middle. forms point for temporalis muscle

angular process

attachment point for masseter muscle which helps in biting and chewing food

mandibular fossa

concave part of the hinge joint for the jaw, in the temporal bone with the joint called temporomandibular joint

foramen magnum

opening in the skull providing a place for nerves or blood vessels to pass through

occipital condyles

part of the joint between the skull and first cervical neck vertebra