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Session: Functional Morphology & Biomechanics Platform

Using Load Path Theory to Understand the Role of Trabecular Bone in Mandibles

Saturday, March 25, 2023
1:45 PM – 2:00 PM US EST
Room: Salon G
Abstract Body : The vertebrate feeding apparatus must transfer muscle force through different tissues and complex geometries to a bite point. In mandibles of many tetrapods, trabecular bone, cross-sectional geometry, and the mandibular symphysis are known to influence bite force. However, the exact role of these factors in force transfer is poorly understood. Here we apply finite element analysis (FEA) and load path analysis to investigate how trabecular bone effects force transfer. We created 3 FE models of the mandible of Didelphis virginiana with varying internal geometry and compared load path geometry and function among these models. Using a novel load path detection algorithm we found that including trabecular bone yields more consistent load paths. Results of FEA and LPA methods are complementary to each other and reveal new aspects of mammal mandible mechanics.