Normal and retrograde blood supply to the body of the mandible in the dog. II.: The role played by periosteo-medullary and symphyseal anastomoses

Abstract

An experimental study was carried out in 8 dogs to delineate the blood supply to the body of the mandible under normal conditions and when the central (medullary) circulation was blocked. A vascular blocking technique combined with selective arterial perfusion using different colored perfusaes was used. The results were based on an evaluation of cleared specimens, microradiography and histology. Under normal conditions, the inferior alveolar artery was shown to be the sole source of perfusate to the entire mandibular body, marginal gingiva and the subperiosteal layer, without any contribution from facial artery branches. Several perfused symphyseal anastomoses were found. When the medullary circulation was blocked, retrograde perfusion was evident only in the medullary bone of the frontal region 30 min. after blocking. Marked periosteal and symphyseal vascularity and an increased medullary perfusion were seen 3 days later. 30 days after vascular blocking, perfusion was demonstrated throughout the entire bone including dental pulps. The facial artery was found to be the source of the retrograde perfusion through symphyseal and periosteo-medullary anastomoses in cases with blocked central (medullary) circulation.