Hypsodontia in Castor canadensis: an anatomical and histological study

The aim of this original study is to describe the dental morphology and anatomy of Castor canadensis and to compare results with existing data in the literature relating to this mammal. This will give us a better knowledge of its very distinctive dental system, representative of rodent typology.

The authors used an osteological sample that is rarely found in Europe. A series of horizontal histological sections of the labial and jugal dental organs were prepared at different coronal and radicular levels for study under the optic microscope. Coloration was applied for tissue differentiation.

Observation of the histological sections reveals an enlargement of the space reserved for the pulp tissue which increases from the crown towards the widely open apex of the incisors. These characteristics are not found in the jugal teeth which, although they also have an open apex, present a different configuration.

The dental organs of Rodents in general and Castorides in particular are subject to a constant eruptive force throughout their lifetime. This permanent dental growth occurs as the dental system undergoes intense abrasion, especially the incisors.