Journal: |
International Journal of Advanced Research
- www.journalijar.com
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Volume: |
8
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Abstract: |
This study aimed to characterize and evaluate normal temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of the Egyptian Baladi sheep anatomically and histologically as a large animal model. Fifteen heads of adult apparently healthy male sheep (Ovis aries) were utilized for; macro- and microscopical examination. Also, bony preparations, radiology, computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy were achieved. The TMJ consisted of mandibular condyle of the mandible, glenoid fossa of temporal bone and articular disc in-between. The mandibular condyle was flattened laterally, convex medially and slopped caudomedially. The glenoid fossa was elliptical in shape, concavoconvex from backward to forward. The disc was a smooth, elliptical plate, biconcave, thin centrally and thick peripherally with sloped end caudomedially. Histologically, the fibrocartilage layer of the condyle and glenoid fossa was differentiated into four zones; fibrous, proliferative, hypertrophic, and calcification zones. The fibrocartilagenous disc consisted of thick densely packed bundles of collagen fibers with chondrocytes in-between. The complex architecture of articular disc fibers was revealed by light and scanning electron microscopic examination. The collagen fibers orientation was perpendicular in the anterior and posterior regions, and parallel anteroposterior in the central region. There were many anatomical similarities between sheep and human TMJ in, relations, size, shape, position of the disc, histological structure and surgical approach. Furthermore, the sheep are more economic, available by large numbers, high ethical suitability, all this renders the sheep not only suitable but ideal choice as a large animal model over other animal models.
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