Regulative and adaptive factors in craniofacial growth

Generally speaking, the animal experimental models described here are of theoretical importance. They fall naturally into the area of formulating general trends. Following elucidation of a series of concerns in the future, theoretical growth research will be able to provide more directly clinically applicable tools. Since no experimental animals of the masticatory type analogous to humans exist, results from animal experiments should be considered as statements on the biological reactions of analogous biological systems. Last but not least, biomechanical model representations point to the growth controlling functions of the bony and muscular head system components. These may provide an example for the analysis of degenerative changes in other parts of the body and serve as a theoretical basis for targeted therapeutic measures.