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.