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Craniomandibular bone density in the primate as assessed by computed tomography
A J Miller1, C E Cann, I Nielsen
1Department of Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, University of California, San Francisco.
Summary
This study found that primate craniofacial bone density is largely symmetrical between the left and right sides. This bone symmetry provides a baseline for investigating how neuromuscular function affects bone density.
Area of Science:
- Primate craniofacial anatomy
- Bone densitometry
- Comparative anatomy
Background:
- Craniofacial bone density symmetry is crucial for understanding biomechanical functions.
- Previous research has not comprehensively assessed bilateral bone density distribution in non-human primates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the symmetry of bone mineral density across the cranioskeleton of normal rhesus monkeys.
- To establish a baseline for primate craniofacial bone density symmetry.
Main Methods:
- Computed tomography (CT) scans of ten rhesus monkeys (five juvenile, five adult) were analyzed.
- Axial CT scans were performed at varying thicknesses to capture detailed craniofacial structures.
- Bone density was assessed in eleven specific regions using small regions of interest and large area analysis.
Main Results:
- The condyle was the only region showing a statistically significant difference in bone density between sides.
- All other analyzed sites demonstrated bilateral bone mineral density symmetry.
- Large area analysis confirmed no significant difference in CT numbers across major craniofacial regions.
Conclusions:
- Primate craniofacial bone exhibits a fundamental bilateral symmetry in density.
- This established symmetry serves as a valuable reference for future studies on neuromuscular function's impact on bone density.