Myogale platysma

WHIDDEN, HOWARD P., 2000, Comparative Myology of Moles and the Phylogeny of the Talpidae (Mammalia, Lipotyphla), American Museum Novitates 3294, pp. 1-53 : 9

M. platysma and derivatives

The platysmal layer consists of the prominent M. platysma myoides and the various retroauricular muscles. M. cervico­auriculofrontalis ( figs. 2 and 3 ) is a prominent retroauricular muscle that originates from the dorsal surface of the neck, continuous with and medial to M. platysma myoides . M. mandibulo­auricularis , which extends along the auditory tube, also belongs in this group (Hub­ er and Hughson, 1926). The remaining retroauricular muscles are deeper and originate from the dorsal midline. They are thin, delicate muscles that insert into the skin of the head, neck, and shoulder. In some mammal groups an M. platysma cervicale encircles the neck, but I did not find this muscle in talpids.

Figures

Fig. 2. Masticatory muscles of Parascalops.

Fig. 3. Dorsal view of facial muscles of Parascalops; superficial muscles on left, deeper muscles on right.