capsular process

{{Short description|Bony capsules located in rodents}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}

File:Oryzomys palustris mandible caps.png (Oryzomys palustris) has a reduced capsular process.Weksler, 2006, p. 42]]

In rodents, the capsular process or projection is a bony capsule that contains the root of the lower incisor. It is visible on the labial (outer) side of the mandible (lower jaw) as a raising in the bone.Weksler, 2006, p. 41 There is marked variation within species in the development of this process.Steppan, 1995, p. 26

Most oryzomyines have a well-developed capsular process, which is usually located behind the coronoid process, but many have a small one, and some lack the structure entirely.Weksler, 2006, pp. 41–42 Phyllotines and akodontines are also variable in their development of a capsular process.Steppan, 1995, table 4, char. 33