Capsular process

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.[2] There is marked variation within species in the development of this process.[3] 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.[4] Phyllotines and akodontines are also variable in their development of a capsular process.
Rodent mandible, seen from the left, with a small process at the back circled.
The marsh rice rat ( Oryzomys palustris ) has a reduced capsular process. [ 1 ]
marsh rice ratrodentsincisormandibleoryzomyinescoronoid processPhyllotinesakodontines