Continuity-Preserving Oral and Maxillofacial Anatomy (C-POMA)

Traditional anatomical investigation has largely relied on progressive separation of tissues into discrete anatomical entities. Although this approach has been fundamental to modern anatomy, tissue separation may disrupt structural relationships and influence the interpretation of anatomical structures, variations, and boundaries, particularly in anatomically complex regions. We propose Continuity-Preserving Oral and Maxillofacial Anatomy (C-POMA), a methodological framework that prioritizes preservation of structural relationships across gross anatomical dissection, histological analysis, and three-dimensional imaging. Structural continuity is defined here as a demonstrable anatomical relationship across conventionally defined boundaries, including direct tissue continuity, gradual tissue transition, shared attachment, or blending through connective tissue interfaces. The novelty of this framework lies in integrating established and emerging methods into a continuity-prioritizing investigative approach. These methods include bidirectional flip-flap dissection, inside-out dissection, magnification-assisted observation, large-block histology, serial histological tracking, multiplanar analysis, and three-dimensional imaging. Representative applications in the perinasal-perioral region, mentalis-incisivus labii inferioris complex, buccal region, and temporomandibular joint illustrate how preservation of structural relationships may influence anatomical interpretation. Continuity-preserving approaches are themselves subject to methodological and observational biases and should therefore be integrated with complementary anatomical methods. By focusing on continuity and minimizing fragmentation, this framework may facilitate reinterpretation of complex anatomical systems and provide new opportunities for anatomical investigation in the era of high-resolution imaging.