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Magdalena N Muchlinski - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • a comparative analysis of Infraorbital Foramen size in paleogene euarchontans
    Journal of Human Evolution, 2017
    Co-Authors: Magdalena N Muchlinski, Christopher E Kirk
    Abstract:

    The size of the Infraorbital Foramen (IOF) is correlated with the size of the Infraorbital nerve and number of mystacial vibrissae in mammals. Accordingly, IOF cross-sectional area has been used to infer both the rostral mechanoreceptive acuity and phylogenetic relationships of extinct crown primates and plesiadapiforms. Among living mammals, extant primates, scandentians, and dermopterans (Euarchonta) exhibit smaller IOF cross-sectional areas than most other mammals. Here we assess whether fossil adapoids, omomyoids, and plesiadapiforms show a reduction in relative IOF area similar to that characterizing extant euarchontans. The IOFs of 12 adapoid, 7 omomyoid, 15 plesiadapiform, and 3 fossil gliran species were measured and compared to a diverse extant mammalian sample. These data demonstrate that adapoids and omomyoids have IOFs that are similar in relative size to those of extant euarchontans. Conversely, IOFs of plesiadapiforms are on average about twice as large as those of extant euarchontans and are more comparable in size to those of extant non-euarchontan mammals. These results indicate that crown primates share a derived reduction in relative IOF size with treeshrews and colugos. Accordingly, a decreased reliance on the muzzle and an increased reliance on the hands for environmental exploration may have first evolved in the euarchontan stem lineage. However, the relatively large IOFs of plesiadapiforms imply a continued reliance on the muzzle for close exploration of objects. This finding may indicate that either parallel evolutionary decreases in IOF size occurred within Euarchonta or that plesiadapiforms lie outside the euarchontan crown group.

  • does the primate pattern hold up testing the functional significance of Infraorbital Foramen size variation among marsupials
    American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 2016
    Co-Authors: Amanda N Spriggs, Magdalena N Muchlinski, Adam D Gordon
    Abstract:

    Objectives The relative size of the Infraorbital Foramen (IOF) has been used to infer the ecology of extinct primates for several decades. Primates have relatively smaller IOFs than most other mammals, which may result from the fact that they pre-process and manipulate food with their hands rather than their muzzles. In primates, relative IOF area co-varies with diet, where insectivores and folivores have relatively smaller IOFs than frugivores. We wanted to determine whether the observed patterns associated with IOF variation hold across other orders. Materials and Methods We examined how relative IOF area differs among marsupials occupying different ecological niches. Marsupials were chosen because they converge with primates in both ecology and morphology, but unlike primates, some marsupials approach and pre-process foods only with their muzzles. We measured IOF area and cranial lengths from 72 marsupial species, and behavioral feeding data were obtained from a subset of this sample (N = 20). Results Relative IOF area did not vary significantly between substrate preferences. However, relative IOF area differed significantly by diet category (P < 0.001). Species that specialize in feeding on non-grassy leaves have significantly smaller relative IOF areas than species which primarily feed on grasses, insects, vertebrates, or some combination thereof. Behavioral analyses support that folivorous marsupials approach and remove food with the hands more often than marsupials from other dietary groups. Discussion Results suggest that relatively small IOF area may reflect increased reliance on the hands while feeding, and that relative IOF size can be used as an indicator of feeding behavior. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  • The interpretive power of Infraorbital Foramen area in making dietary inferences in extant apes.
    Anatomical Record-advances in Integrative Anatomy and Evolutionary Biology, 2014
    Co-Authors: Magdalena N Muchlinski, Andrew S. Deane
    Abstract:

    The Infraorbital Foramen (IOF) is located below the orbit and transmits the sensory Infraorbital nerve (ION) to mechanoreceptors located throughout the maxillary region. The size of the IOF correlates with the size of the ION; thus, the IOF appears to indicate relative touch sensitivity of maxillary region. In primates, IOF size correlates well with diet. Frugivores have relatively larger IOFs than folivores or insectivores because fruit handling/processing requires increased touch sensitivity. However, it is unknown if the IOF can be used to detect subtle dietary differences among closely related hominoid species. Hominoids are traditionally grouped into broad dietary categories, despite the fact that hominoid diets are remarkably diverse. This study examines whether relative IOF size is capable of differentiating among the dietary preferences of closely related species with overlapping, yet divergent diets. We measured IOF area in Hylobates lar, Symphalangus syndactulus, Pongo pygmaeus spp., Pan troglodytes, Gorilla gorilla, Gorilla beringei graueri, and Gorilla beringei beringei. We classified each species as a dedicated folivore, mixed folivore/frugivore, soft object frugivore, or hard object frugivore. The IOF is documented to be larger in more frugivorous species and smaller in more folivorous taxa. Interestingly, G.b. beringei, had the largest relative IOF of any gorilla, despite being a dedicated folivore. G.b. beringei does have unique food processing behavior that relies heavily on maxillary mechanoreception, thus this finding is not entirely unsupported behaviorally. The results of this study provide evidence that the IOF is an informative feature in interpretations of fossil apes. Anat Rec, 297:1377–1384, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  • A comparative analysis of vibrissa count and Infraorbital Foramen area in primates and other mammals
    Journal of human evolution, 2010
    Co-Authors: Magdalena N Muchlinski
    Abstract:

    Vibrissae are specialized sensory "hairs" that respond to mechanical stimuli. Sensory information from vibrissae is transmitted to the brain via the Infraorbital nerve, which passes through the Infraorbital Foramen (IOF). Several analyses have documented that primates have smaller IOFs than non-primate mammals, and that haplorhines have smaller IOFs than strepsirrhines. These grade shifts in IOF area were attributed to differences in "vibrissa development." Following earlier analyses, IOF area has been used to derive a general estimate of "whiskeredness" in extinct primates, and consequently, IOF area has been used in phylogenetic and paleoecological interpretations. Yet, the relationship between IOF area and vibrissa count has not been tested, and little is known about how IOF area and vibrissa counts vary among mammals. This study explores how relative IOF area and vibrissa count differ among 25 mammalian orders, and tests for a correlation between IOF area and vibrissa count. Results indicate that primates and dermopterans (Primatomorpha) have smaller IOFs than most non-primate mammals, but they do not have fewer vibrissae. In addition, strepsirrhines and haplorhines do not differ from one another in relative IOF area or vibrissa counts. Despite different patterns documented for IOF area and vibrissa count variation across mammals, results from this study do confirm that vibrissa count and IOF area are significantly and positively correlated (p < 0.0001). However, there is considerable scatter in the data, suggesting that vibrissa counts cannot be predicted from IOF area. There are three implications of these finding. First, IOF area reflects all mechanoreceptors in the maxillary region, not just vibrissae. Second, IOF area may be an informative feature in interpretations of the fossil record. Third, paleoecological interpretations based on vibrissae are not recommended.

  • ecological correlates of Infraorbital Foramen area in primates
    American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 2009
    Co-Authors: Magdalena N Muchlinski
    Abstract:

    The Infraorbital Foramen (IOF) transmits the Infraorbital nerve (ION) to specialized sensory cells (mechanoreceptors) in the maxillary region. The size of the IOF has been used in numerous paleoecological interpretations of the fossil record. However, these interpretations have been applied without an explicit analysis of the relationship between ecological variables and the IOF. ION and IOF cross-sectional area show a strong positive correlation. As a result, IOF area can be a proxy for ION area, and it is hypothesized that IOF area may be a good measure for maxillary somatosensory acuity. Differences in diet, substrate preference, and/or activity pattern have been shown to correlate with differences in maxillary somatosensory acuity among mammals. This study examines how IOF area covaries with different ecological variables. IOF area was measured for 89 primate species. Ecological profiles were also created for each species and used to evaluate interspecific variation in relative IOF area within each ecological category. The results show a significant relationship between relative IOF area and diet, but not substrate preference or activity pattern. Frugivores have significantly larger relative IOFs than either folivores or insectivores, but the relative IOFs of folivores and insectivores do not differ significantly from one another. These results partially support the hypothesis that maxillary mechanoreception is a critical sensory cue for primates within a feeding context. Results for this study suggest the IOF can be used as an informative character in some paleoecological interpretations of the primate fossil record.

Lima F.j.c. - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • A Morphological And Biometric Study Of The Infraorbital Foramen (e2 - Sibai Point) In Adult Skulls [estudio Morfológico Y Biométrico Del Foramen Infraorbital (punto E2 - Sibai) En Cráneos De Adultos]
    2015
    Co-Authors: De Oliveira Jr. E.m., Moreira R.t., Neto B.l., Da Silva C.m.f., Lima F.j.c.
    Abstract:

    The objective of this work was to study the morphology and biometry of the Infraorbital Foramen (FIO), variations in its shape, size and number as well as to obtain measurements of its location. 60 dry skulls were analyzed. The test of Qui-quadrant and the T Test were used in measurements with a 5% significance. On the right side, the FIO was measured at a distance of 6.49(±1.68) mm from the lower, 39.65(±3) mm from the upper, 17.7(±2.97) mm from the medial and 20.46(±2.9) mm from the lateral margin of the orbit; its pear-shaped opening distance was 13.67(±2.17) mm. On the left side, the distance of the FIO to the lower margin of the orbit was 6.52(±1.82) mm; to the upper margin was 39.9(±2.62) mm and to the lateral and medial margin were 17.93(±2.58) mm and 21.12(±3) mm, respectively; its distance to the pear-shaped opening was 14.26(±1.83) mm. It was found predominately in an oval shape, in 39 (65%) of the skulls, on both sides. Accessory Foramens were present in 11 samples on the right and in 15 samples on the left side. The FIO was most frequently found on the side of, or laterally to the sagittal plane that passes through the middle of the supraorbital Foramen/ incisures, in 38 skulls (63.3%) on the right side and in 45 skulls (75%) on the left and middle to the zigomatic-maxillary suture, in 41 skulls (68.3%) on right and in 42 skulls (70%) on the left side, besides being most frequently found in a region between the first and second premolars, in 22 skulls (36.7%) on the right side and in 17 skulls (28.3%) on the left.303986992Berge, J.K., Bergman, R.A., Variations in size and in symmetry of foramina of the human skull (2001) Clin. Anat., 6, pp. 406-413Chen, E., (1997) Anatomia topográfica dos pontos de acupuntura., , São Paulo, RocaChonghuo, T., (1993) Tratado de Medicina Chinesa, , São Paulo, RocaChung, M.S., Kim, H.J., Kang, H.S., Chung, I.H., Locational relationship of the supraorbital notch or Foramen and Infraorbital and mental foramina in Koreans (1995) Acta Anat., 154, pp. 162-166Cutright, B., Quillopa, N., Schubert, W., An anthropometric analysis of the key foramina for maxillofacial surgery (2003) J. Oral Maxillofac. Surg., 61 (3), pp. 354-357Ding, L., (1996) Acupuntura, Teoria do Meridiano e Pontos de Acupuntura, , 1a ed. São Paulo, RoccaElias, M.G., Silva, R.B., Pimentel, M.L., Cardoso, V.T.S., Rivello, T., Babinski, M., Morphometric analysis of the Infraorbital Foramen and acessories foraminas in Brazilian skulls (2004) Int. J. Morphol., 22 (4), pp. 273-278Esper, R.S., Yamamura, Y., Cricenti, S.V., Novo, N.F., Efeitos da inserçäo perpendicular e oblíqua de agulhas no ponto de acupuntura E-2 (Sibai), no forame infra-orbital (1997) Rev. Paul. Acupunt., 3 (2), pp. 85-88Esper, R.S., Yara, J., Yamamura, Y., Cricenti, S.V., Relações anatômicas do ponto de acupuntura E-2 (Sibai) localizado no forame infra-orbital (1998) Rev. Paul. Acupunt., 4 (1), pp. 19-22Gardner, E., Gray, D.J., O'hailly, R., (1988) Anatomia: Estudo regional do corpo humano., , 4. ed. Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara KooganHindy, A.M., Abdel-Raouf, F., A study of Infraorbital Foramen, canal and nerve in adult Egyptians (1993) Egypt Dent. J., 39 (4), pp. 573-580Karakas, P., Bozkir, M.G., Oguz, O., Morphometric measurements from various reference points in the orbit of male Caucasians (2002) Surg. Radiol. Anat., 24 (6), pp. 358-362Kazkayasi, M., Ergin, A., Ersoy, M., Bengi, O., Tekdemir, I., Elhan, A., Certain anatomical relations and the precise morphometry of the Infraorbital Foramen, canal and groove: An anatomical and cephalometric study (2001) Laryngoscope, 111 (4 PART 1), pp. 609-614Lee, U.Y., Nam, S.H., Han, S.H., Choi, K.N., Kim, T.J., Morphological characteristics of the Infraorbital Foramen and Infraorbital canal using three-dimensional models (2006) Surg. Radiol. Anat., 24, pp. 1-6Ming, S.X., Os (1996) Fundamentos da Medicina Chinesa Um Texto Abrangente para Acupunturistas e Fitoterapeutas., , São Paulo, RoccaMonroy, C., Liliana, P., Morales, M., Andrés, C., Jacome, N., Anibal, J., Cassiano, C.G., Características y variaciones anatómicas del surco, canal y Foramen infraorbitario en un grupo de población colombiana (2003) Univ. odontol., 23 (52), pp. 60-68Ranali, J., Andrade, E.D., Matos Filho, T.R., Anestesia dos nervos alveolar inferior, lingual e bucal: Análise das técnicas convencionais e a de Gow-Gates (1988) Rev. Paulista de Odontologia., 5, pp. 12-16Sischer, Dubrul, (1991) Anatomia oral., , 8. ed. São Paulo, Artes MédicasSussmann, D.J., (1972) Que é a Acupuntura?, , 2aed. Rio de Janeiro, RecordTeixeira, L.M.S., Reher, P., Reher, V.G.S., (2001) Anatomia aplicada à odontologia., , Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara KooganTestut, L., Latarjet, A., (1954) Tratado de anatomía humana, , Barcelona, Salvat EditoresXinnong, C., (1999) Acupuntura e Moxibustão Chinesa, , São Paulo, Rocc

  • A Morphological And Biometric Study Of The Infraorbital Foramen (e2 - Sibai Point) In Adult Skulls [estudio Morfológico Y Biométrico Del Foramen Infraorbital (punto E2 - Sibai) En Cráneos De Adultos]
    2015
    Co-Authors: De Oliveira Jr. E.m., Moreira R.t., Neto B.l., Da Silva C.m.f., Lima F.j.c.
    Abstract:

    The objective of this work was to study the morphology and biometry of the Infraorbital Foramen (FIO), variations in its shape, size and number as well as to obtain measurements of its location. 60 dry skulls were analyzed. The test of Qui-quadrant and the T Test were used in measurements with a 5% significance. On the right side, the FIO was measured at a distance of 6.49(±1.68) mm from the lower, 39.65(±3) mm from the upper, 17.7(±2.97) mm from the medial and 20.46(±2.9) mm from the lateral margin of the orbit; its pear-shaped opening distance was 13.67(±2.17) mm. On the left side, the distance of the FIO to the lower margin of the orbit was 6.52(±1.82) mm; to the upper margin was 39.9(±2.62) mm and to the lateral and medial margin were 17.93(±2.58) mm and 21.12(±3) mm, respectively; its distance to the pear-shaped opening was 14.26(±1.83) mm. It was found predominately in an oval shape, in 39 (65%) of the skulls, on both sides. Accessory Foramens were present in 11 samples on the right and in 15 samples on the left side. The FIO was most frequently found on the side of, or laterally to the sagittal plane that passes through the middle of the supraorbital Foramen/ incisures, in 38 skulls (63.3%) on the right side and in 45 skulls (75%) on the left and middle to the zigomatic-maxillary suture, in 41 skulls (68.3%) on right and in 42 skulls (70%) on the left side, besides being most frequently found in a region between the first and second premolars, in 22 skulls (36.7%) on the right side and in 17 skulls (28.3%) on the left

De Oliveira Jr. E.m. - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • A Morphological And Biometric Study Of The Infraorbital Foramen (e2 - Sibai Point) In Adult Skulls [estudio Morfológico Y Biométrico Del Foramen Infraorbital (punto E2 - Sibai) En Cráneos De Adultos]
    2015
    Co-Authors: De Oliveira Jr. E.m., Moreira R.t., Neto B.l., Da Silva C.m.f., Lima F.j.c.
    Abstract:

    The objective of this work was to study the morphology and biometry of the Infraorbital Foramen (FIO), variations in its shape, size and number as well as to obtain measurements of its location. 60 dry skulls were analyzed. The test of Qui-quadrant and the T Test were used in measurements with a 5% significance. On the right side, the FIO was measured at a distance of 6.49(±1.68) mm from the lower, 39.65(±3) mm from the upper, 17.7(±2.97) mm from the medial and 20.46(±2.9) mm from the lateral margin of the orbit; its pear-shaped opening distance was 13.67(±2.17) mm. On the left side, the distance of the FIO to the lower margin of the orbit was 6.52(±1.82) mm; to the upper margin was 39.9(±2.62) mm and to the lateral and medial margin were 17.93(±2.58) mm and 21.12(±3) mm, respectively; its distance to the pear-shaped opening was 14.26(±1.83) mm. It was found predominately in an oval shape, in 39 (65%) of the skulls, on both sides. Accessory Foramens were present in 11 samples on the right and in 15 samples on the left side. The FIO was most frequently found on the side of, or laterally to the sagittal plane that passes through the middle of the supraorbital Foramen/ incisures, in 38 skulls (63.3%) on the right side and in 45 skulls (75%) on the left and middle to the zigomatic-maxillary suture, in 41 skulls (68.3%) on right and in 42 skulls (70%) on the left side, besides being most frequently found in a region between the first and second premolars, in 22 skulls (36.7%) on the right side and in 17 skulls (28.3%) on the left.303986992Berge, J.K., Bergman, R.A., Variations in size and in symmetry of foramina of the human skull (2001) Clin. Anat., 6, pp. 406-413Chen, E., (1997) Anatomia topográfica dos pontos de acupuntura., , São Paulo, RocaChonghuo, T., (1993) Tratado de Medicina Chinesa, , São Paulo, RocaChung, M.S., Kim, H.J., Kang, H.S., Chung, I.H., Locational relationship of the supraorbital notch or Foramen and Infraorbital and mental foramina in Koreans (1995) Acta Anat., 154, pp. 162-166Cutright, B., Quillopa, N., Schubert, W., An anthropometric analysis of the key foramina for maxillofacial surgery (2003) J. Oral Maxillofac. Surg., 61 (3), pp. 354-357Ding, L., (1996) Acupuntura, Teoria do Meridiano e Pontos de Acupuntura, , 1a ed. São Paulo, RoccaElias, M.G., Silva, R.B., Pimentel, M.L., Cardoso, V.T.S., Rivello, T., Babinski, M., Morphometric analysis of the Infraorbital Foramen and acessories foraminas in Brazilian skulls (2004) Int. J. Morphol., 22 (4), pp. 273-278Esper, R.S., Yamamura, Y., Cricenti, S.V., Novo, N.F., Efeitos da inserçäo perpendicular e oblíqua de agulhas no ponto de acupuntura E-2 (Sibai), no forame infra-orbital (1997) Rev. Paul. Acupunt., 3 (2), pp. 85-88Esper, R.S., Yara, J., Yamamura, Y., Cricenti, S.V., Relações anatômicas do ponto de acupuntura E-2 (Sibai) localizado no forame infra-orbital (1998) Rev. Paul. Acupunt., 4 (1), pp. 19-22Gardner, E., Gray, D.J., O'hailly, R., (1988) Anatomia: Estudo regional do corpo humano., , 4. ed. Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara KooganHindy, A.M., Abdel-Raouf, F., A study of Infraorbital Foramen, canal and nerve in adult Egyptians (1993) Egypt Dent. J., 39 (4), pp. 573-580Karakas, P., Bozkir, M.G., Oguz, O., Morphometric measurements from various reference points in the orbit of male Caucasians (2002) Surg. Radiol. Anat., 24 (6), pp. 358-362Kazkayasi, M., Ergin, A., Ersoy, M., Bengi, O., Tekdemir, I., Elhan, A., Certain anatomical relations and the precise morphometry of the Infraorbital Foramen, canal and groove: An anatomical and cephalometric study (2001) Laryngoscope, 111 (4 PART 1), pp. 609-614Lee, U.Y., Nam, S.H., Han, S.H., Choi, K.N., Kim, T.J., Morphological characteristics of the Infraorbital Foramen and Infraorbital canal using three-dimensional models (2006) Surg. Radiol. Anat., 24, pp. 1-6Ming, S.X., Os (1996) Fundamentos da Medicina Chinesa Um Texto Abrangente para Acupunturistas e Fitoterapeutas., , São Paulo, RoccaMonroy, C., Liliana, P., Morales, M., Andrés, C., Jacome, N., Anibal, J., Cassiano, C.G., Características y variaciones anatómicas del surco, canal y Foramen infraorbitario en un grupo de población colombiana (2003) Univ. odontol., 23 (52), pp. 60-68Ranali, J., Andrade, E.D., Matos Filho, T.R., Anestesia dos nervos alveolar inferior, lingual e bucal: Análise das técnicas convencionais e a de Gow-Gates (1988) Rev. Paulista de Odontologia., 5, pp. 12-16Sischer, Dubrul, (1991) Anatomia oral., , 8. ed. São Paulo, Artes MédicasSussmann, D.J., (1972) Que é a Acupuntura?, , 2aed. Rio de Janeiro, RecordTeixeira, L.M.S., Reher, P., Reher, V.G.S., (2001) Anatomia aplicada à odontologia., , Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara KooganTestut, L., Latarjet, A., (1954) Tratado de anatomía humana, , Barcelona, Salvat EditoresXinnong, C., (1999) Acupuntura e Moxibustão Chinesa, , São Paulo, Rocc

  • A Morphological And Biometric Study Of The Infraorbital Foramen (e2 - Sibai Point) In Adult Skulls [estudio Morfológico Y Biométrico Del Foramen Infraorbital (punto E2 - Sibai) En Cráneos De Adultos]
    2015
    Co-Authors: De Oliveira Jr. E.m., Moreira R.t., Neto B.l., Da Silva C.m.f., Lima F.j.c.
    Abstract:

    The objective of this work was to study the morphology and biometry of the Infraorbital Foramen (FIO), variations in its shape, size and number as well as to obtain measurements of its location. 60 dry skulls were analyzed. The test of Qui-quadrant and the T Test were used in measurements with a 5% significance. On the right side, the FIO was measured at a distance of 6.49(±1.68) mm from the lower, 39.65(±3) mm from the upper, 17.7(±2.97) mm from the medial and 20.46(±2.9) mm from the lateral margin of the orbit; its pear-shaped opening distance was 13.67(±2.17) mm. On the left side, the distance of the FIO to the lower margin of the orbit was 6.52(±1.82) mm; to the upper margin was 39.9(±2.62) mm and to the lateral and medial margin were 17.93(±2.58) mm and 21.12(±3) mm, respectively; its distance to the pear-shaped opening was 14.26(±1.83) mm. It was found predominately in an oval shape, in 39 (65%) of the skulls, on both sides. Accessory Foramens were present in 11 samples on the right and in 15 samples on the left side. The FIO was most frequently found on the side of, or laterally to the sagittal plane that passes through the middle of the supraorbital Foramen/ incisures, in 38 skulls (63.3%) on the right side and in 45 skulls (75%) on the left and middle to the zigomatic-maxillary suture, in 41 skulls (68.3%) on right and in 42 skulls (70%) on the left side, besides being most frequently found in a region between the first and second premolars, in 22 skulls (36.7%) on the right side and in 17 skulls (28.3%) on the left

I H Chung - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

M. O. Dayan - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Blind mole rat (Spalax leucodon) masseter muscle: structure, homology, diversification and nomenclature.
    Folia morphologica, 2018
    Co-Authors: A. Yoldas, M. Demir, Ramazan Ilgün, M. O. Dayan
    Abstract:

    Background: It is well known that rodents are defined by a unique masticatory apparatus. The present study describes the design and structure of the masseter muscle of the blind mole rat (Spalax leucodon). The blind mole rat, which emer- ged 5.3–3.4 million years ago during the Late Pliocene period, is a subterranean, hypoxia-tolerant and cancer-resistant rodent. Yet, despite these impressive cha- racteristics, no information exists on their masticatory musculature. Materials and methods: Fifteen adult blind mole rats were used in this study. Dissections were performed to investigate the anatomical characteristics of the masseter muscle. Results: The muscle was comprised of three different parts: the superficial mas- seter, the deep masseter and the zygomaticomandibularis muscle. The superficial masseter originated from the facial fossa at the ventral side of the Infraorbital Foramen. The deep masseter was separated into anterior and posterior parts. The anterior part of the zygomaticomandibularis muscle arose from the snout and passed through the Infraorbital Foramen to connect on the mandible. Conclusions: The construction of the deep masseter and zygomaticomandibularis muscles were of the Myomorpha type. Further studies are needed to reveal features such as muscle biomechanics, muscle types.