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The human mandible: lever, link, or both?
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|July 1, 1979
Summary
The human mandible (lower jawbone) does not solely act as a link or lever during biting. New analysis suggests the mandible functions as both a lever and a link simultaneously during incisal biting.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Anatomy
- Anthropology
Background:
- Previous research suggested the human mandible functions purely as a link during incisal biting.
- Hylander's 1978 study proposed the mandible acts primarily as a lever.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-examine Hylander's bite force data.
- To determine the functional role of the human mandible during incisal biting.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of existing bite force data from Hylander (1978).
- Biomechanical evaluation of mandibular function.
Main Results:
- The human mandible cannot function solely as a link during incisal biting.
- The mandible also cannot function purely as a lever.
Conclusions:
- The human mandible likely functions as both a lever and a link simultaneously during incisal biting.
- This dual role challenges previous functional interpretations of the mandible.