Arterial supply of the masseter muscle in the lion (Panthera leo)

Abstract

Utilizing the acryl plastic injection method, we investigated the blood supply of the lion masseter muscle based on the laminar formation of this muscle as reported by Takemura at al. (1991). Nutrient arterial branches were supplied mainly by the superficial temporal, buccal, facial, masseteric and the posterior auricular arteries, and occasionally by the maxillary and external carotid arteries. Although the superficial temporal in the cat is distributed only to the superficial and intermediate layers of the masseter, it also supplies the deep layer in the lion.