ANATOMICAL AND TOPOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF THE LARGE MASTICATORY MUSCLE IN A DOMESTIC CAT
The purpose of this study was to establish anatomical and topographic features of the large masticatory muscle in a Maine Coon cat, and also to determine its fixation points and evaluate the functional significance of the studied structures. The object of the study were sexually mature Maine Coon cats (n = 7). The methods of fine macro- and microanatomic dissecting were used, followed by functional analysis of the studied structures and skeletotopic projection of the points of attachment of parts of the muscle. It has been established that the large masticatory muscle in a cat is complex, that is, it is a complicated combination of six muscles having a three-layer structural organization, a special macroarchitecture, structural composition, orientation of muscle fibers, skeletotopic landmarks and points of attachment of their parts. The revealed anatomical features of the studied muscles may reflect their functional consistency. The results of the study fill in the information in the field of pedigree craniology of feline. So, we have updated the topical features of anatomical formations of the cat's skull - the caudo-lateral tubercle, chewing ridge, chewing venue, roughness for the intermediate muscle. The data obtained are reference in assessing the structural and functional state of the temporomandibular joint and diagnosing its pathology in Maine Coon cats.