Features of the structure of the lower jaw of the common hedgehog in connection with their type of nutrition

Abstract

Taking into account the diet of the common hedgehog, we were faced with the question  of  the  features  of  the  structure  of  the chewing  apparatus  of  the  common  hedge-hogs. We decided to study and establish anatomical, topographic and morphometric features of the structure of the lower jaw in the common  hedgehog.  The  purpose  of  our study  is  to  study  the  anatomical  and  topographic features of the structure of the lower jaw  of  the  common  hedgehog  associated with the type of nutrition, as well as to establish  morphometric  data  of  the  mandibular apparatus. To study the anatomical and topographic features of the structure of the mandibular bone of this individual, five corpses of the common hedgehog from the forestry of the Leningrad region were obtained. All representatives of this species were sexually mature. As a result of our research, we have established anatomical and topographic features of the structure of the lower jaw of the common hedgehog associated with the type of  nutrition,  and  also  determined  the  morphometric data of the mandibular apparatus. According  to  the  results  of  the  study,  we came  to  the  conclusion  that  the  common hedgehog  has  a  very  powerful  and  well-developed  lower  jaw,  which  consists  of  a body and a branch. The root part of the mandibular  bone  is  2.10  times  longer  than  the incisor  part,  and  they  are  almost  equal  in width.  This  fact  indicates  the  compression power of both incisor and molar teeth during biting and chewing solid food. On the incisor part there are incisor teeth in the amount of four pieces, on the root part of the body there are molars and premolars in the form of molars and premolars with a total of four pieces.  Thanks  to  this,  hedgehogs  are  able  to easily grab food lying on the surface of the earth  and  chew  thoroughly.  The  branch  of the lower jaw has well-developed processes, thanks to which strong joints are formed and muscles are securely attached during the act of  chewing.  On  the  lateral  surface  of  the lower  jaw  branch  there  is  a  well-defined depression  that  forms  the  pit  of  the  large masticatory  muscle,  this  certainly  indicates the presence of highly developed masticatory muscles in this animal.