Videofluorographic analysis of tongue movement in the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The movement of the entire tongue and intermolar eminence during mastication is described in the domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Tongue movement and jaw position were analyzed videofluorographically from separate lateral and dorso-ventral views in six rabbits. Metallic markers were inserted into the tongue so that its movement was visible on the fluorographic image. Frame-by-frame analysis of the videofluorographic tape recordings demonstrates that tongue movement in all animals was identical in direction during each part of the chewing cycle. In the lateral view the forepart of the tongue moves down and forward during the opening stroke, whereas the intermolar eminence moves up and forward to appose the palate. During the closing stroke, as the tip of the tongue moves up and back, the intermolar eminence lowers from the palate and retracts. During the power stroke the forepart of the tongue is at its most elevated and retruded position, while the intermolar eminence is its lowest and most retruded. The dorso-ventral view showed that lateral movement of the tongue and mandible are highly synchronous. The intermolar eminence decreases in width during the power stroke, possibly twisting to place or keep food on the teeth. An anterior to posterior undulating movement of the entire tongue occurs throughout the chewing cycle. As the intermolar eminence elevates to appose the palate during the opening stroke, it may replace the bolus on the teeth on the chewing side. The intermolar eminence also appears to be twisting during the closing and power strokes to place or maintain food on the teeth.