Biomechanical analysis of the main masticatory muscles in the rabbit.

The main masticatory muscles of the Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) were divided into their 25 component bundles per side. 5 dry skulls were used to determine points of origin and insertion which were then projected onto 3 planes perpendicular to each other, for the establishment of a biomechanical model. By interpreting this model and by examining various mandibular movements, the bundles were classified into 16 functional groups. The findings of other biomechanical studies are contrasted with the results of the study.