Premium
Developmental changes in cross‐sectional geometry of the mandibular corpus (918.23)
Author(s) -
Fojas Christina
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.28.1_supplement.918.23
Subject(s) - masticatory force , sagittal plane , rigidity (electromagnetism) , mandible (arthropod mouthpart) , transverse plane , orthodontics , skull , cortical bone , anatomy , medicine , dentistry , materials science , biology , botany , composite material , genus
The role of mechanical stressors created by the human masticatory apparatus has been a focus of interest, particularly with regard to ontogenetic changes as they relate to functional adaptations. The mandible can be modeled as a hollow asymmetric beam to approximate cross‐sectional geometric properties. This research seeks to investigate the functional morphology of the mandibular corpus as it undergoes changes throughout ontogeny. The aim of this study is to examine whether mandibular corpus bone mass and distribution patterns represent a functional adaptation to an adult form of masticatory loading. Prior studies support the notion that mandibular strength reaches near‐adult values by early adolescence, with mandibular strength tied to the emergence of permanent molars. This study utilizes protohistoric archaeological human juvenile mandibles aged 1‐18 years from South Dakota. Biplanar radiographs and external measurements were taken to reconstruct cross‐sectional strength and rigidity as calculated by the polar moment of area (J), and second moments of area (I) and section moduli (Z) along the sagittal and transverse planes. Results indicate a gradual increase in sagittal bending rigidity and strength with increased age. These findings suggest that changes in cross‐sectional properties and cortical bone distributions are due to a shift in masticatory demands.