Premium
Temporal changes in human temporomandibular joint size and shape
Author(s) -
Hinton Robert J.,
Carlson David S.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
american journal of physical anthropology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.146
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1096-8644
pISSN - 0002-9483
DOI - 10.1002/ajpa.1330500305
Subject(s) - temporomandibular joint , masticatory force , sexual dimorphism , joint (building) , craniofacial , reduction (mathematics) , homogeneous , biology , mathematics , orthodontics , medicine , zoology , geometry , architectural engineering , genetics , combinatorics , engineering
Measurements approximating the size of the temporomandibular joint were taken on a series of genetically homogeneous populations from early Nubia, which span almost 10,000 years and embody a shift from a primarily hunting and gathering adaptation to a completely agricultural lifeway. A generalized trend of reduction of temporomandibular joint size was observed. In addition, a decrease in sexual dimorphism was apparent for all measures of joint size; a change primarily mitigated by reductions in male dimensions. The observed variation in size and form of the temporomandibular joint is most likely the result of the reduction in masticatory muscle robusticity and resultant changes in craniofacial form which have been documented for the transition from a hunting and gathering to an agricultural subsistence in Nubia.