Myogale platysma subsp. myoides

WHIDDEN, HOWARD P., 2000, Comparative Myology of Moles and the Phylogeny of the Talpidae (Mammalia, Lipotyphla), American Museum Novitates 3294, pp. 1-53 : 9-10

M. platysma myoides ( figs. 3 and 4 )

ORIGIN: In two parts: a large dorsal sheet, which splits to form a pars frontalis and a pars labialis superioris, and a smaller ventral sheet, the pars labialis inferioris. The dorsal platysmal sheet originates with M. cervicoauriculo­frontalis over a broad area of the back and shoulder region, superficial to M. cutaneus maximus . Some fibers also arise from the dorsal surface of the forelimb. Just posterior to the ear opening, this sheet separates from M. cervico­auriculo­frontalis to run ventral to the ear. Anterior to the ear, it

splits to form the pars frontalis and the pars labialis superioris. The pars labialis inferioris originates separately from the posterior and ventral surfaces of the forelimb.

INSERTION: Pars frontalis on the bony rostrum anterior to the eye and deep to M. cervico­auriculo­frontalis, pars labialis superioris into the corner of the mouth, and pars labialis inferioris into the intermandibular fascia, along the angle of the jaw, and in fascia on the side of the head.

REMARKS: The general form of this muscle, with a pars frontalis, pars labialis superioris, and pars labialis inferioris, is similar in Condylura , Desmana , Neurotrichus , Parascalops , Scalopus , Scapanus , Scaptonyx , Talpa , Uropsilus , and Urotrichus .

Figures

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

Fig. 4. Lateral view of facial muscles of Parascalops, M. sphincter colli superficialis removed.