Biometry of Mandible in Tiger (Panthera tigris)

The jaw of tiger (Panthera tigris) is derived for predation with powerful killing bites. They use large canine in a shearing bite to the throat of prey for severing nerves and blood vessels causing rapid collapse. The present study was proposed to keep on record the gross anatomical features of mandible of tiger. Gross anatomical study was conducted on mandibles of 3 adult tigers (age more than 8 years) of either sex. It was found that the mandible was the largest and thickest bone of the skull weighing 350.9gm. It forms the lower jaw in tiger. The mandible was formed of 2 halves which were symmetrical to each other and were fused rostrally by symphysis. Each half was consisted of one horizontal rod like part, it was flattened mediolaterally and thicker anteriorly. The other part was vertical, short plate like dorsal border of symphysis was bearing alveoli for teeth. The alveoli of each corner were larger for canine and medial to this 3 small alveoli were present on each side for incisors. The dorsal border of horizontal part of mandible was having 3 alveoli for only 3 cheek teeth on each side. The mandibular and mental foramina were large. It can be stated from the present study that the mandible of tiger can be differentiated on gross morphological and morphometrical parameters with leopard by presence of 3 incisor teeth and more prominent angle of mandible.