On the Laminar Formation of the Masseter Muscle in the Lion (Panthera leo)

: An investigation was made of the laminar structure of the masseter muscle in 3 lions (Panthera leo s. Felis leo), and the findings obtained were evaluated in comparison with those in some other carnivora. Although the general aspect of the masseter of the lion resembled that of the cat, there was no close similarity or analogy between them. The construction of the masseter in the lion was as follows. The superficial layer consisted of primary and secondary sublayers, the intermediate layer was composed of anterior and posterior portions, and the deep layer also had anterior and posterior portions. Among these three layers (the masseter proper muscle), the superficial layer was extremely well developed as a characteristic feature of this species. The maxillomandibularis muscle was developed in a muscular element of its origin and had its tendinous insertion on the anteroinferior margin of the masseteric fossa. The zygomaticomandibularis muscle was also fairly well developed in the form of two muscular bundles which originated from the temporal crest, a shelf forming a lateral protrusion on the basis of the zygomatic process, and its posterior surface. Both muscles were also well developed as the masseter improper. Such a huge and complicated laminar pattern of the masseter muscle in the lion should be sufficient to exert a strong force as a predatory animal.