Evaluation of Morphological Variations in Pars Tympanica of Temporal Bone in Dogs

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to examine the relationship between the morphometric-geometric features of the meatus acusticus externus, bulla tympanica and tuba auditiva and the cranium shape, age, gender and race characteristics in the os temporale region in terms of the clinical-anatomical approach to the outer ear and middle ear regions of the dogs’ skull. In the study, a total of 110 dog's cranium were studied. The bones were photographed in three different views with the camera. The morphometric data on the head, angle measurements and index values related to them were calculated in obtained images. Tuba auditiva angle and meatus acusticus externus angle were found to differ statistically between the age groups. In addition, it was determined that the index values of bulla tympanica, except for the height index, showed statistical differences among age groups. When the angle measurements and index values of the skulls of male and female animals are examined it was determined that other index values did not differ between female and male animals, except for the meatus acusticus externus angle. As a result, it can be said that age and skull type is more effective than gender in the position of the tympanic region in dogs. The results of this research are supportive information that can be used in both clinical and zooarchaeological studies on the bulla tympanica region in dogs.