Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Analysis of Developing Tooth Germ Innervation Using Microfluidic Co-culture Devices
Published on: August 14, 2015
The Role of Sensory and Sympathetic Nerves in the Development and Bone Metabolism of Mandible
Zhiyi Zhao1, Hanqi Fu1, Huifei Tian1
1Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
Abstract:
The nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating bone remodeling, with both sensory and autonomic nerves distributed within bone tissue. In the mandible, the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and sympathetic nerves provide the primary innervation. Numerous studies have demonstrated their essential functions in mandibular development and bone metabolism. Focusing on mandibular innervation, we synthesize current evidence to demonstrate the modulatory effects of sensory and sympathetic nerves on bone growth and regeneration, and further elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Notably, we discuss multiple bioactive factors (CGRP, SP, VIP, NE, NPY, Sema3A, NGF) for their roles in mediating neural regulation of bone. Additionally, neuro-bone crosstalk in the mandible is examined in an integrated way. This review offers a deeper understanding of mandibular homeostasis modulated by nerves and thus seeks to facilitate future clinical translation.
Related Concept Videos
Blood and Nerve Supply to the Bones
Nutrient Artery
The nutrient artery is the main blood vessel that enters the diaphysis via the nutrient foramen. While most long bones have only one nutrient foramen, large bones, such as the femur, may have two. This...
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Bone Remodeling
Bone Formation by Endochondral Ossification
Bone Formation by Intramembranous Ossification
The process begins when mesenchymal cells in the embryonic skeleton gather together and differentiate into osteogenic cells, which then develop into...
The Bone Matrix

