A model to explain the posterior limit of the bite point in reptiles.
A biomechanical model of the jaw mechanism in some reptiles is presented. Symmetrical muscle activity that produces equal forces on both sides of the head is assumed. The model predicts the position of the most posterior bit point and offers a functional explanation for this prediction. Turtles are used to illustrate the idea.
D000818:Animals; D003768:Dental Occlusion, Centric; D007568:Jaw / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D007574:Jaw Relation Record; D008409:Mastication; D008410:Masticatory Muscles / Q000502:physiology; D012104:Reptiles / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D014426:Turtles / Q000033:anatomy & histology