2006-12-03 06:32:47 · 3 answers · asked by bballbump 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
All the muscles relax so the jaw hangs open and because they have such long tounges it just hangs. then rigomortis kicks in after a few days so it stiffens. But it hangs cos it relaxes all the muscles.
2006-12-03 06:35:46 · answer #1 · answered by Charlie B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Deer, being ungulates, have relatively large tongue muscles compared to the size of their jaw. When deer die, they no longer have voluntary control over tong an jaw muscles, so the jaw tends to remain somewhat open, allowing the tongue muscle to flop out. If rigor mortise sets in, this arrangement of open jaw and tongue hanging out may become fixed.
2006-12-03 14:37:32 · answer #2 · answered by Jerry P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably has something to do with reflex relaxation of muscles in their throat. No muscle tonus.
2006-12-03 14:34:36 · answer #3 · answered by Tony T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋