suuholkkeet

Suuholkkeet, often translated as "mouth pockets" or "cheek pouches," are specialized anatomical structures found in many animals, particularly rodents. These pouches are typically lined with fur and are located on the inside of the cheeks, extending from the mouth towards the jaw. Their primary function is to temporarily store and transport food.

Animals that possess suuholkkeet, such as hamsters, squirrels, and chipmunks, use them to gather food from their environment, such as seeds, nuts, or berries. They can fill these pouches to capacity, allowing them to carry a significant amount of food back to a burrow or cache for later consumption or to feed their young. This adaptation is particularly useful for foraging in areas where food might be scarce or when needing to transport food over long distances.

The lining of suuholkkeet is usually elastic and can expand considerably. Some species have a special muscle that helps them to empty the pouches. The ability to utilize suuholkkeet for food transport is a key survival strategy for these animals, enabling efficient resource gathering and management. The size and structure of suuholkkeet can vary between species, correlating with their diet and foraging habits.