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Craniofacial asymmetry in development: an anatomical study.
Marcelle Rossi1, Eduardo Ribeiro, Ricardo Smith
1Department of Anatomy, Bahiana School of Dentistry, Bahia, Brazil.
The Angle Orthodontist
|August 28, 2003
Summary
Craniofacial asymmetry is present even in fetuses and infants, before the chewing habit develops. This study found significant asymmetry across all age groups, challenging previous hypotheses.
Area of Science:
- Human Anatomy
- Developmental Biology
- Craniofacial Morphology
Background:
- Craniofacial symmetry is often assumed to develop after the establishment of chewing habits.
- Previous research has not definitively established the presence or extent of asymmetry in early developmental stages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate craniofacial asymmetries in four specific skull regions across various age groups.
- To test the hypothesis that craniofacial symmetry exists before the chewing habit is established.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 95 human skulls (fetuses, infants, children, adults).
- Measurements taken using a digital caliper: infraorbital foramen to anterior nasal spine (IOF), greater palatine foramen to posterior nasal spine (GPF), spinous foramen to basion (SF), and spinous foramen to zygomatic arch (ZA).
- Statistical comparison using analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Main Results:
- Statistically significant craniofacial asymmetry was present throughout the entire sample (2.8%–6.5%).
- Asymmetry in IOF, GPF, and SF measurements was consistent across all age groups.
- Infants showed the highest asymmetry in ZA distance, followed by fetuses, children, and adults.
Conclusions:
- Craniofacial asymmetry is statistically significant in fetuses and infants, predating the establishment of chewing habits.
- The hypothesis that craniofacial asymmetry only appears after the establishment of the chewing habit is not supported by these findings.
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