A geometrical model is developed, relating gape to the orientation of the superficial masseter muscle. The degree to which the muscle must stretch depends on relative distances of its origin and insertion from the craniomandibular joint and the angle between these line segments. Assumptions of the model are considered. Measurements on a variety of placental skulls demonstrated the validity of predictions derived from the model. This method of analysis can be applied to other adductor muscles.
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Herring et al. (1974) studied this question.
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