Abstract
In the search for explanations for differences in the shape of skulls and their phylogenetic development, the morphology of the skull must be seen in connection with the functions it has to perform. The skull encloses the brain and the sense organs and provides them with physical protection. It also houses the initial parts of the respiratory and digestive systems and together with the jaws constitutes a tool capable of cutting and grinding food. The skull must be able to withstand forces imposed upon it by chewing, by movement of the head, by the weight of the head itself, and by impact loadings.
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© 1985 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
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Demes, B. (1985). Introduction. In: Biomechanics of the Primate Skull Base. Advances in Anatomy Embryology and Cell Biology, vol 94. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-70339-3_1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-70339-3_1
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-540-15290-3
Online ISBN: 978-3-642-70339-3
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