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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
07:26
Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
[The role of anthropologic study in the stomatognatic morphologic changes through time]
G D Mihalache1, A Indrei, G Mihalache
1Facultatea de Medicină Stomatologică Disciplina de Anatomie şi Embriologie, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie Gr. T. Popa Iaşi.
Summary
This study traces the evolution of the human stomatognathic apparatus, specifically dental arch shape, across different historical periods in Romania. Genetic factors and dietary habits influenced these changes, leading to the modern paraboloid dental arch form.
Area of Science:
- Paleoanthropology
- Craniometry
- Dental Anthropology
Context:
- Investigates the morphological evolution of the stomatognathic apparatus.
- Examines changes in skull and dental arch morphology over time.
- Utilizes historical skull samples from Romanian territory.
Purpose:
- To assess the possibility of prognostication regarding the morphologic aspect of the passive component of the stomatognathic apparatus.
- To analyze changes in maxilla, mandible, and facial morphology across different historical periods.
- To compare findings with existing literature data.
Summary:
- Analyzed 20 skulls from the 1st century AD, Middle Ages, and 20th century found in Romania.
- Observed a transition from prognathic, narrow dental arches in Neolithic skulls to rounded skulls with upsiloid and later paraboloid dental arches.
- Modern dental arches are semielliptical (maxilla) and parabolic (mandible).
Impact:
- Demonstrates the influence of genetic factors and dietary habits on masticator apparatus evolution.
- Explains the development of paraboloid dental arches due to gene flow between local and migratory populations.
- Provides insights into the long-term adaptation and changes in human craniofacial morphology.
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