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Whale jaw joint is a shock absorber
Alexander J Werth1, Haruka Ito2
1Department of Biology, Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden-Sydney, VA 23943 USA awerth@hsc.edu.
The Journal of Experimental Biology
|March 5, 2020
Summary
The temporomandibular jaw joint (TMJ) fibrocartilage pad in rorqual whales rebounds quickly after extreme compression and stretching during lunge feeding. This elasticity helps whales engulf prey and return their jaws to a closed position.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Marine Mammal Biology
- Paleontology
Background:
- Rorqual whales (baleen whales) are known for their massive gape feeding mechanism.
- The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is crucial for jaw movement during feeding.
- The TMJ in rorqual whales is non-synovial and must withstand extreme forces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanical properties of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) fibrocartilage pad in rorqual whales.
- To understand how the TMJ functions during the intense stresses of lunge feeding.
Main Methods:
- Examination and manipulation of TMJs in fresh whale carcasses.
- Computed tomography (CT) scans of TMJs.
- Field and laboratory mechanical testing of excised TMJ tissue blocks.
Main Results:
- The TMJ fibrocartilage pad exhibits significant compression (68-88%) and stretching (176-230%) with rapid rebound.
- The pad's extensibility varies by axis (mediolateral vs. dorsoventral) but is largely isotropic.
- Collagen and elastin fibers are distributed in all directions within the pad.
Conclusions:
- The TMJ fibrocartilage pad's stiffness likely damps acceleration during prey engulfment.
- Its elasticity is crucial for shock absorption, jaw rotation, and elastic recoil to close the jaw.
- This adaptation facilitates efficient energy conversion for filtration feeding in rorqual whales.
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