Descripción anatómica de los músculos masticadores de un ciervo axis (<i>Axis axis</i>)

Abstract

The aims of the work were to describe the masticatory muscles of the axis deer and to compare them with those of the cow. A juvenile female from the Sea World Foundation, San Clemente del Tuyú, Argentina, was used. Fresh dissection of the masticatory muscles was performed by anatomical planes starting from the skin. Muscles structure, origin and insertion were observed. Direction of muscle fibres and their steepness were measured with a goniometer. Samples were preserved at -12 °C in a freezing chamber. The masseter muscle of the axis deer had three portions: rostral, middle and deep. Middle portion, the bigger one, was divided into three wombs. Medial pterygoid muscle and temporalis muscle were clearly divided into two distinct portions. There were not major differences between the deer and the cow regarding lateral pterygoid and digastric muscles. Masticatory muscles of the axis deer showed greater complexity than those of the cow, especially in the muscles that produce flexion and laterality of the jaw. These preliminary findings reveal a greater muscle mass and structural characteristics that make them stronger for contraction during chewing.