cheek pouch

anatomy

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 24, 2026

Quick Summary

A cheek pouch is an anatomical feature found in certain animals, primarily monkeys and rodents. These are saclike dilatations within the cheeks that animals use to store food.1

Examples of animals that utilize cheek pouches include:
* Pouched rats, which are African rodents that use their cheek pouches for carrying food.2
* Pocket gophers, also known as pouched gophers.2
* Kangaroo rats.2
* Certain species of spiny pocket mice.2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

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golden hamster
…furry ears and huge internal cheek pouches that open inside the lips and extend to behind the shoulders. The tail is stubby and can be either white or pink.
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…furry ears and huge internal cheek pouches that open inside the lips and extend to behind the shoulders. The tail is stubby and can be either white or pink.
Read More

hamster
…species of rodents possessing internal cheek pouches. The golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) of Syria is commonly kept as a pet. Hamsters are stout-bodied, with a tail much shorter than their body length, and have small furry ears, short stocky legs, and wide feet. Their thick long fur ranges from grayish…
Read More
…species of rodents possessing internal cheek pouches. The golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) of Syria is commonly kept as a pet. Hamsters are stout-bodied, with a tail much shorter than their body length, and have small furry ears, short stocky legs, and wide feet. Their thick long fur ranges from grayish…
Read More