Mandibular movement in the sagittal plane and its consequences for biomechanical models of speech and nonspeech tasks

Abstract

Mandibular movement was measured utilizing a tooth splint, a mandibular extension and a pair of two‐dimensional movement transducers. The movement paths were reconstructed in the sagittal plane using computer graphics and the regularity of the movement was calculated for several speech and nonspeech tasks. The instantaneous center of rotation of the mandible was calculated and will be compared with other published results. The range of movement of the condyle was calculated and the implications for a biomechanical model of the temporomandibular joint will be discussed. Hypothetical changes in the length and direction of the mandibular musculature were calculated and are presented in the context of a biomechanical model of the jaw. [Research supported by an NINDS grant.]