The role of function in the formation of the skull.

Partial resection of the mandible, resection of the chewing muscles, amputation of extremities and ligature of the common carotid artery were performed in animals different in chewing type (dogs, sheep, rabbits and rats). These studies revealed a close relation between shape and function. It was shown that changes in function have a decisive effect on the development and shaping of the skull bones and musculature.