[Topography and structure of the stylohyoid muscle in mammals]

Topography and structure of the musculus stylohyoideus (MSH) have been studied in 78 species of Mammalia from 12 orders. The muscle in question has specific peculiarities not only in its position and fixation, but also in a great variability of its structure. The MSH is not revealed in Philander opossum, Lagostrophus fasciatus, guinea pig, Meriones eversmanni, Rhombomys opimus, Nyctereutes procyonoides, Thos aureus, Mastelidae. Various pathways of development and different functional loading define existence of several modifications of the MSH: a) the medial part of the muscle develops (Didelphys, Rodentia, Insectivora, Proboscidea, Dama dama, Capreolus capreolus; b) the lateral part of the musculus develops (Lagomorpha, Canis lupus, Ursidae, Felidae, Pinnipedia, Cavicornia); c) both parts of the musculus develop, determining position of the m. digastricus between these two parts (Alces alces, Pseudaxis sica, Cervus elaphus, Macaca rhesus, Erythrocebus patas, Perissodastyla).