Superficial Muscles of the Head and Appendages; Branchiomeric Muscles

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Muscle System of the Squalus Index

	Branchiomeric Muscles 3. Adductor Mandibulae 5. Levator Palatoquadrati 6. Levator Hyomandibulae 8. Cucullaris 10. Dorsal Hyoid Constrictor
	Appendicular Muscles 1. Fin Abductor 2. Fin Adductor Branchiomeric Muscles 4. Intermandibularis 7. Ventral Hyoid Constrictor 9. Superficial Constrictors

The fin abductor and adductor muscles arise from myotomes and grow into the fins. They become more prominent as the limbs assume more complicated roles in the evolution of tetrapods. The jaw muscles (adductor mandibulae, levator palatoquadrate, levator hyomandibulae) in the shark are tough and strong. This is because the teeth of the shark are designed only for cutting. The jaw muscle does not need to be too specialized because no chewing occurs. The ventral hyoid constrictor and the superficial constrictors aid in respiration.