Skeletal System
The general skeletal system of a giant panda is very similar to that of a bear, except bigger. The biggest advantage of a large skeleton in pandas is the enlarged skull. An enlarged skull supports the high amount of jaw movement from almost constantly eating bamboo. A large skull also allows a quick, powerful closure of the mandible when eating. Giant Panda's also have an elongated radial sesamoid bone that acts like a thumb. Giant Panda's have 40 teeth; the premolars and molars are enlarged and are very broad to allow for the chewing of tough bamboo.
Specific Enlargements
The Temporal Fossa is expanded and allows for more muscle attachment for the temporalis muscle. An enlarged zygomatic arch to provide larger surface area for the attachment of the masseter and zygomaticomandubular muscles. The zygomatic arch is also expanded laterally to increase the temporal fossa. The mandible is also twice the length of that of a bear.
Muscular System
The muscular system of a giant panda is much the same as a bears, just enlarged and stronger, like the skeletal system. They have very strong jaw muscles. The muscles that move the jaw are the masseter, zygomandibularis and temporalis. The muscles involved in the movement of the radial sesamoid bone are the abductor policis, abductor brevis, and the opponens policis.
The general skeletal system of a giant panda is very similar to that of a bear, except bigger. The biggest advantage of a large skeleton in pandas is the enlarged skull. An enlarged skull supports the high amount of jaw movement from almost constantly eating bamboo. A large skull also allows a quick, powerful closure of the mandible when eating. Giant Panda's also have an elongated radial sesamoid bone that acts like a thumb. Giant Panda's have 40 teeth; the premolars and molars are enlarged and are very broad to allow for the chewing of tough bamboo.
Specific Enlargements
The Temporal Fossa is expanded and allows for more muscle attachment for the temporalis muscle. An enlarged zygomatic arch to provide larger surface area for the attachment of the masseter and zygomaticomandubular muscles. The zygomatic arch is also expanded laterally to increase the temporal fossa. The mandible is also twice the length of that of a bear.
Muscular System
The muscular system of a giant panda is much the same as a bears, just enlarged and stronger, like the skeletal system. They have very strong jaw muscles. The muscles that move the jaw are the masseter, zygomandibularis and temporalis. The muscles involved in the movement of the radial sesamoid bone are the abductor policis, abductor brevis, and the opponens policis.