Infraorbital Foramen Research Articles

Anatomic basis of Le Fort 1 impaction osteotomy: a radiological study.

In Le Fort 1 osteotomy when a maxillary impaction is necessary, surgeons have to face different anatomical problems. (1) To determine the best bone resection route, they have to consider the situation of dental roots, infraorbital foramen and maxillary artery. (2) In case of Le Fort 1 osteotomy combined with a mandibular sagittal split osteotomy, the palate has to be replaced in horizontal position although there is no anatomical landmark. (3) In case of Gummy smiles, it can be due to either long face or short upper lip. The main objective was to identify safe bony landmarks to perform a Le Fort I osteotomy and to find a reliable way for repositioning the palate horizontally; the secondary objective was to determine the upper lip normal length. The study was based on 178 facial CT examinations. The following parameters have been used: the vertical length of the upper lip, the vertical heights of the anterior nasal spine, the canine and molar roots, the inferior limit of the pterygomaxillary fossa and the vertical height of the infraorbital foramen on both sides. The vertical length from the subnasal point to the upper vermilion was 15.06±3.09mm, and to the junction of the upper and lower lips was 23.94±3.79mm. The vertical length from the anterior nasal spine to the incisor alveolar border was 19.70±3.17mm. The height of the canine root was 17.11±2.60mm. The height of the highest lateral root of first or second maxillary molars was 11.71±1.83mm. The vertical length from the inferior limit of the pterygomaxillary fossa (pti point) to the alveolar border of the pterygomaxillary suture was 19.86±3.45mm. The height from the center of the infraorbital foramen to the alveolar border of the maxilla on a vertical line was not statistically different on right and left sides. According to our results, in impaction Le Fort 1 osteotomy, the bone resection must pass 20mm above the alveolar border in canine area, and 15mm above the alveolar border in molar area. The resection has to end less than 20mm above the inferior border of the pterygomaxillary suture. The vertical height of the infraorbital foramen is a consistent landmark for repositioning of the palate in a horizontal plane.

Morphology of an Early Oligocene beaverPropalaeocastor irtyshensisand the status of the genusPropalaeocastor

The Early to Late Oligocene Propalaeocastor is the earliest known beaver genus from Eurasia. Although many species of this genus have been described, these species are defined based on very fragmentary specimens. Propalaeocastor irtyshensis from the Early Oligocene Irtysh River Formation in northwestern Xinjiang, China is one of the earliest-known members of Propalaeocastor. This species is defined on a single maxillary fragment. We revise the diagnosis of P. irtyshensis and the genus Propalaeocastor, based on newly discovered specimens from the Irtysh River Formation. The dental morphology of P. irtyshensis is very similar to other early castorids. The caudal palatine foramen of P. irtyshensis is situated in the maxillary-palatine suture. This is a feature generally accept as diagnostic character for the castorids. On the other hand, P. irtyshensis has two upper premolars, a rudimentarily developed sciuromorph-like zygomatic plate, and a relatively large protrogomorph-like infraorbital foramen. Some previous researchers suggested that Propalaeocastor is a junior synonym of Steneofiber, while other took it as a valid genus. Our morphological comparison and phylogenetic analysis suggest that Propalaeocastor differs from Steneofiber and is a valid genus. We also suggest that Agnotocastor aubekerovi, A. coloradensis, A. galushai, A. readingi, Oligotheriomys primus, and “Steneofiber aff. dehmi” should be referred to Propalaeocastor. Propalaeocastor is the earliest and most basal beaver. The origin place of Propalaeocastor and castorids is uncertain. The Early Oligocene radiation of castorids probably is propelled by the global climate change during the Eocene-Oligocene transition.

Gross anatomy of the skull of hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius)

Morphological studies were conducted on the skull of a hippopotamus brought to the Veterinary college for postmortem examination. Skull of the hippopotamus was huge and notable for its little brain case and high supra-orbital ridges. The skull had a larger splanchnocranium than the neurocranium. From the dorsal view, the skull had a watch glass appearance because of its narrow middle portion (at the region of maxillae) and wide caudal and rostral portions. Maxilla showed a large Eminenta canina and two infraorbital foramina leading to two separate infraorbital canals. The premaxilla lodged two huge incisors and just above the central incisor, there was a large rough eminence for the elevated nostrils. Three to four large rounded lacrimal bullae were seen on the floor of the bony orbit. Frontal bone presented a strongly convex smooth supra-orbital ridge that formed upper margin of the orbit which projected from the surface of the skull. The median sagittal crest was very high that diverged to accommodate the concave forehead in front. Temporal fossa was very extensive. Caudal surface of the skull showed a concave nuchal surface and the external occipital protuberance was in the form of a crest. The paramastoid process and external auditory process were very short. Bulla tympanica was conical with a pyramidal muscular process. Anatomical peculiarities of the skull and their functional significance are discussed.

A comparative analysis of infraorbital foramen size in Paleogene euarchontans

The size of the infraorbital foramen (IOF) is correlated with the size of the infraorbital nerve and number of mystacial vibrissae in mammals. Accordingly, IOF cross-sectional area has been used to infer both the rostral mechanoreceptive acuity and phylogenetic relationships of extinct crown primates and plesiadapiforms. Among living mammals, extant primates, scandentians, and dermopterans (Euarchonta) exhibit smaller IOF cross-sectional areas than most other mammals. Here we assess whether fossil adapoids, omomyoids, and plesiadapiforms show a reduction in relative IOF area similar to that characterizing extant euarchontans. The IOFs of 12 adapoid, 7 omomyoid, 15 plesiadapiform, and 3 fossil gliran species were measured and compared to a diverse extant mammalian sample. These data demonstrate that adapoids and omomyoids have IOFs that are similar in relative size to those of extant euarchontans. Conversely, IOFs of plesiadapiforms are on average about twice as large as those of extant euarchontans and are more comparable in size to those of extant non-euarchontan mammals. These results indicate that crown primates share a derived reduction in relative IOF size with treeshrews and colugos. Accordingly, a decreased reliance on the muzzle and an increased reliance on the hands for environmental exploration may have first evolved in the euarchontan stem lineage. However, the relatively large IOFs of plesiadapiforms imply a continued reliance on the muzzle for close exploration of objects. This finding may indicate that either parallel evolutionary decreases in IOF size occurred within Euarchonta or that plesiadapiforms lie outside the euarchontan crown group.

Analysis of Anatomical Characteristics and Morphometric Aspects of Infraorbital and Accessory Infraorbital Foramina.

This study aimed to perform a morphological and morphometric study of the characteristics of the infraorbital foramen (IOF) and accessory infraorbital foramen (AIOF) in Brazilian skulls. A sample calculation determined a total of 94 human skulls to be evaluated by a trained examiner for number, shape, diameters, and location of IOF in relation to anatomical landmarks. Number, size, shape, diameters, location, orientation, position, and distances in relation to anatomical landmarks were evaluated for the AIOF. Descriptive analysis, paired t test, Wilcoxon test, Pearson and Spearman correlations were used. A total of 188 IOFs and 48 AIOFs were found. Circular outline was the predominant shape for both IOFs and AIOFs. Infraorbital foramens presented in left sides had a significantly greater transverse diameter and distance from medial margin of the orbit when compared with IOFs located on the right sides (P <0.001). Accessory infraorbital foramens were most frequently found on the left sides of the skulls and had a superomedial position in relation to the IOFs. Accessory infraorbital foramens located on right sides had a significantly greater distance to anterior nasal spine when compared with AIOFs located on the left sides (P <0.001). The results of this solid methodology-based study can help guide surgeons in accurately locating the IOF and AIOF, and consequently, their neurovascular bundles to perform safe procedures during maxillofacial interventions.

Midpalatal suture density ratio: A novel predictor of skeletal response to rapid maxillary expansion.

During adolescence, increasing interdigitation of the midpalatal suture increases resistance to rapid maxillary expansion (RME); this decreases its skeletal effect. In this study, we aimed at determining whether a novel measure of midpalatal suture maturity, the midpalatal suture density ratio, can be used as a valid predictor of the skeletal response to RME. The midpalatal suture density ratio, chronologic age, cervical vertebral maturation, and the stage of midpalatal suture maturation were assessed before treatment for 30 patients (ages, 12.9±2.1years) who underwent RME as part of comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Measurements on cone-beam computed tomography scans were used to determine the proportions of prescribed expansion achieved at the greater palatine foramina, the nasal cavity, and the infraorbital foramina. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the midpalatal suture density ratio and both the greater palatine foramina and the infraorbital foramina (r=-0.7877 and -0.3647, respectively; P<0.05). In contrast, chronologic age, cervical vertebral maturation, and stage of midpalatal suture maturation were not significantly correlated to any of the assessed measures of skeletal expansion (r range, -0.2209 to 0.0831; P>0.05). The midpalatal suture density ratio has the potential to become a useful clinical predictor of the skeletal response to RME. Conversely, chronologic age, cervical vertebral maturation, and stage of midpalatal suture maturation cannot be considered useful parameters to predict the skeletal effects of RME.

Retrospective morphometric analysis of the infraorbital foramen with cone beam computed tomography.

The aim of our study is to examine the morphometric characteristics of the infraorbital foramen (IOF) and its anatomic localization by using cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT). In our study, the anatomic characteristics of the IOF were identified by studying retrospectively the CBCT images of one hundred twenty-five (125) patients. These characteristics were assessed statistically in terms of age, gender, and right-left side. In our study, 42% of them had IOF in circular form and 58% in oval form. Of them 66.90% of those in oval form were in oblique direction, 28.30% of them were in vertical direction, and 4.80% of them were in horizontal direction. The mean vertical diameter of the IOF was found as 3.71 ± 0.61 mm and its mean horizontal diameter was found as 3.17 ± 0.56 mm. The mean distance of IOF to midline were measured as 25.10 ± 2.17 mm, distance to upper edge of the orbita was measured as 41.91 ± 2.77 mm, distance to infraorbital edge was measured as 5.63 ± 1.77 mm, distance to the lateral nasal wall was measured as 9.32 ± 2.68 mm, distance to spina nasalis anterior was measured as 17.97 ± 3.99 mm, thickness of the soft tissue on the foramen was measured as 11.52 ± 2.40 mm, and distance between the right and the left IOF was measured as 50.20 ± 3.90 mm. Accessory foramen was found in 56.60% ratio. This study reveals that CBCT may guide for local anesthesia applications and for other invasive procedures in order to prevent the damage of the neurovascular structures during maxillofacial surgery by identifying the distances of anatomic points such as IOF having surgically importance.

Morphometric Analysis of the Infraorbital Foramen: The Clinical Relevance.

The present study was conducted to ascertain the shape, size, presence of accessory foramina, direction, and the precise position of the infraorbital foramen (IOF) in relation to the inferior orbital margin (IOM), anterior nasal spine (ANS), nasion (Na), maxillary teeth, and supraorbital foramen/notch (SOF/N) in adult skulls in a Sri Lankan population. Fifty-four skulls (42 males and 12 females) were analyzed. The IOF was oval in shape (38.6% and 36.3% on the right and left side, resp.) in a majority of skulls. The direction of the IOF was mostly medially downward (48.6%). Accessory foramina were found in 7.4% of the skulls. The infraorbital foramina were located at a mean distance of 6.52 ± 2.03 mm and 7.30 ± 1.57 mm, vertically below the IOM on the right and left side, respectively; 33.81 ± 2.68 mm and 34.23 ± 2.56 mm from the ANS on the right and left side, respectively; and 42.37 ± 3.52 mm and 42.52 ± 3.28 mm from the Na on the right and left side, respectively. In relation to the upper teeth the majority of IOF (37.5% and 55.9% on the right and left side, resp.) were located in the same vertical axis as the tip of the buccal cusp of the maxillary second premolar tooth.

Skull ontogeny and modularity in two species of Lagenorhynchus: Morphological and ecological implications.

Comparisons of skull shape between closely related species can provide information on the role that phylogeny and function play in cranial evolution. We used 3D-anatomical landmarks in order to study the skull ontogeny of two closely related species, Lagenorhynchus obscurus and Lagenorhynchus australis, with a total sample of 52 skulls. We found shared trends between species, such as the relative compression of the neurocranium and the enlargement of the rostrum during ontogeny. However, these are common mammalian features, associated with prenatal brain development and sensory capsules. Moreover, we found a posterior displacement of the external nares and infraorbital foramina, and a strong development of the rostrum in an anteroposterior direction. Such trends are associated with the process of telescoping and have been observed in postnatal ontogeny of other odontocetes, suggesting a constraint in the pattern. Interspecific differences related to the deepness of facial region, robustness of the feeding apparatus and rostrum orientation may be related with the specific lifestyles of L. obscurus and L. australis. We also tested the presence of three different modules in the skull (basicranium, neurocranium, rostrum), all of which presented strong integration. Only the rostrum showed a different ontogenetic trajectory between species. Even though we detected directional asymmetry, changes in this feature along ontogeny were not detectable. Because asymmetry may be related to echolocation, our results suggest a functional importance of directional asymmetry from the beginning of postnatal life. J. Morphol. 278:203-214, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals,Inc.

VARIANTS OF THE INFRAORBITAL NERVE BRANCHING

The aim of the study was to identify the variants of location and branching of the infraorbital nerve (ION) in the infraorbital canal. Using V.P.Vorobyov macromicroscopic method, the head of 23 individuals (11 males, 12 females) ranging in age from newborn to 74 years, was dissected. It was found that ION divided into branches at the level of the inferior orbital fissure, in the beginning of the infraorbital furrow, infraorbital canal, infraorbital foramen and after its emergence from the infraorbital foramen. In some preparations, the additional infraorbital foramina were noted, containing the emerging branches of ION. In 15 preparations ION consisted of 1 trunk and divided into branches in the infraorbital foramen or 3-6 mm distal to it (the magistral type of branching). In 8 cases ION gave 2 or more trunks within the orbital cavity (the dissipated type of branching). Additional infraorbital foramina in most cases had a rounded or rounded-flattened form. The data on variants of the structure and topography of the additional infraorbital foramina are presented.

Early Osteologic Evidence of the Use of the Scalpel: Surgical Excision of a Facial Lesion in the Roman Period.

Sir: Mentions of surgical instruments date back several millennia, but actual traces are elusive. Works of Greco-Roman medical writers (e.g., Hippocrates, Celsus, Galen, Aetius, Oribasius, and Soranus) refer to their use. Instruments themselves are preserved in personal graves and collections, such as the one from the so-named Surgeon’s House in Pompeii.1,2 The individual corpse T-127 from the late Roman Ramón y Cajal street necropolis (along one of the west entrances of Tarraco, capital of Hispania Citerior Roman province)3 was buried in an amphora. This site, part of a larger complex, consists of 220 burials dated between the third and fifth centuries ad. The highly conserved, female skeleton was oriented in the craniocaudal direction (west to east). Cranial sutures and costal articular surfaces suggest age approximately 55 ± 10 years. Pubic articular facet was a reference to valorize posthumous alterations. After femoral length (423 mm), height was estimated as 158 cm (Trotter-Gleser) or 154 cm (Pearson). The left maxilla shows an erosive lesion (Fig. 1). Its outer base pierces below the infraorbital foramen. Uneven, slim edges progressively reach the inner sheet (maximum diameter, 12 mm). The outside aspect presents periorificial destructuration with an irregular bone surface. A linear lesion along the upper third of the defect horizontally crosses at a slight angle upward-out and accurately continues from edge to edge (Fig. 2). The patina of the incised area (length, 11 mm) characterizes an old injury. The lower third presents another line at an angle of 35 degrees to the upper line (length, 12 mm). The inner face of the anterior wall of the sinus is a smooth surface. The bottom side of the sinus appears through the top face as a result of a posthumous fracture. The loss of homogeneity and the rough surface on the lower left area suggest sinusitis. The rest of the skeleton features a consolidated right rib fracture.Fig. 1.: Anterior aspect of the left maxillary bone that shows a perforating, erosive defect (after protective coating).Fig. 2.: Detail from the defect in the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus (before protective coating).Radiology shows osteoblastic reaction surrounding the edges of the incisions. The inner side of the maxilla is free of injury. The external injury may have drilled the maxilla, secondarily causing sinusitis. Primary fistulized sinusitis following erosion from the outside was ruled out. Infectious agents such as Mycobacteria (tuberculous lupus) or secondary syphilis may yield bone destruction in regular, excavated lesions. Actinomycosis is usually limited to soft tissue. In spindle cell carcinoma, basocellular carcinoma, and melanoma, bone erosion is very rare. Hemangiosarcoma and dermatofibrosarcoma are even rarer neoplasms. NK/T-cell lymphomas of the so-called nasal type may produce similar erosions. Clearly, therapeutic interventions on earlier Roman remains include the now lost modiolus described by Brothwell4 and extraction of foreign bodies (arrowheads). In this specimen, two incisions clearly follow lines of tension and seem to aim excision. The upper incision delimits the injury and accomplishes eye protection and aesthetics by following tension lines. The second incision has a concave upper mark at its bottom, completing the cut in fusiform, myrtle-leaf shape as recommended by Celsus.5 The anatomical region, Friteau’s trapezoidal area, seldom includes noble elements. Osteoblastic reaction around the incision would be indirect evidence of survival after a procedure. DISCLOSURE The authors have no financial interest to declare in relation to the content of this article. None of the authors has any potential conflict of interest. Joaquim Baxarias Tibau, M.D., Ph.D.Wenceslao M. Calonge, M.D., M.Sc.Daniele Gurrieri, M.D.Permanence Médico-Chirurgicale Vermont-Grand PréGeneva, Switzerland

Evaluation of Optic Canal and Surrounding Structures Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography: Considerations for Maxillofacial Surgery.

The optic canal connects the anterior cranial fossa and the orbit and maintains the optic nerve and the ophthalmic artery. Within the extent of the surgical approach of the region, risk of iatrogenic injury of the neural and vascular structures increases. The aim of this retrospective morphometric study is to investigate the radiological anatomy of orbita, optic canal, and its surrounding using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans in a group of Turkish population.Cone beam computed tomography images of a total of 182 patients were evaluated by 2 observers. Anatomical parameters regarding optic canal and orbita were measured for all patients from axial, sagittal, and three-dimensional reconstructed images. To assess intraobserver reliability, the Wilcoxon matched-pairs test was used. Pearson χ test and Student t test were performed for statistical analysis of differences, sex, localization, and measurements (P < 0.05).Repeated CBCT evaluation and measurements indicated no significant inter and intra-observer difference were found (P > 0.05). The orbita width and height were larger for the males than females (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed for optic canal shape, dimensions of infraorbital foramen (IOF) and supraorbital foramen (SOF), SOF-midline distance, and SOF-IOF distance according to sex and location (P > 0.05). Examination CBCT scans revealed that the shape of the optic canal was 70% funnel and 28% Hourglass shape, 2% amorph type round.These results provide detailed knowledge of the anatomical characteristics in the orbital area which may be of assistance for surgeons preoperatively. Cone beam computed tomography scans can be an alternative modality for multislice computed tomography with submillimeter resolution and lower dose in preoperative imaging of the orbit.

Retrograde maxillary nerve perineural injection: A tomographic and anatomical evaluation of the infraorbital canal and evaluation of needle type and size in equine cadavers

The aim of this study was to investigate a new approach for equine maxillary nerve blocks, which can facilitate several orofacial surgeries. Current techniques aim at the maxillary foramen and approach via the zygomatic arch, conferring the risk of injury to several delicate structures in the target area. To investigate the feasibility of a retrograde approach from the infraorbital foramen, an anatomic study of the infraorbital canal and its surrounding structures was performed on 13 cadaveric skulls using computed tomography and anatomical dissection. Measurements included canal length and volume, its conformation and relationship with the enclosed structures, and infraorbital foramen diameters. The technical approach to simulate the distribution of local anaesthetic within the infraorbital canal was further defined, including needle selection among seven different needles, evaluating ease of insertion, trauma to surrounding tissues and spread of contrast medium toward the target area. To validate the technique, two Tuohy needles were randomly inserted at 12 infraorbital foramina and 10 mL of contrast medium was injected. CT verified the spread of the solution and possible complications.Each canal had a serpentine-curved pathway. Anatomical dissections evidenced gaps between the infraorbital nerve, vessels and the infraorbital canal. The integrity of these structures had been preserved from the passage of the selected Tuohy needles. This study suggests a feasible approach to the maxillary nerve block within the infraorbital canal providing an appropriate needle selection and technique to limit complications.

Anthropometric Analysis of Infraorbital Foramen in Adult Indian Dry Skull

Abstract Introduction: Normally infra orbital foramen (IOF) is situated on the anterior surface of maxilla about 1cm below the infra orbital margin (IOM) bilaterally. Infra orbital vessels and nerves emerge out through this foramen. Infra orbital nerve (ION) terminates by supplying skin over the lower eyelid, conjunctiva, lateral aspect of external surface of nose, upper lip, ala of the nose and the premolar teeth. Infra orbital vessels supply the area surrounding the IOF. Objective: To measure distance between superior part of the rim of the IOF to IOM (DIM) and the distance between the medial part of the rim of the IOF to lateral margin of the pyriform aperture (DIP). Compare the measurements of both sides. Compare our studies with other authors. Materials and methods: Sixty adult dry skulls of unknown sex were studied. Those skulls with damaged foramen were excluded. Measurements were done in millimetres. Result: The mean DIM on right side is 5.96 mm and on left side it is 6.07. Mean DIP on right side is 16.70 mm and on left side it is 16.63mm. We have observed that there is no much significant variations in respect to sides. Our values were within the range of many others value. Conclusion: Knowing exact location of IOF using different land mark is important for providing local anaesthesia in maxillofacial, plastic surgical operations and radio ablative neurotomy procedures. Thus information obtained is very useful IOF to avoid iatrogenic injury in the infra orbital area.

Anatomical Study of the Intraosseous Pathway of the Infraorbital Nerve.

The infraorbital nerve (ION) is at risk for iatrogenic injury during orbital floor repair. The authors aim to anatomically characterize the intraosseous course of the ION between the inferior orbital fissure and infraorbital foramen. Ten cadaver heads (20 orbits) were dissected, with exposure of the orbital floor. The ION was identified from the infraorbital fissure to inferior orbital foramen. The presence and caliber of an osseous roof was noted. Distances measured were infraorbital foramen to infraorbital margin; length of the inferior orbital groove; length of the inferior orbital canal; length from the inferior orbital fissure to the infraorbital margin. Three variations of the osseous anatomy around the ION were identified. Four cadavers had no identifiable groove (Type 1, 40%) and the ION was completely roofed throughout its course. Five specimens exhibited a thin, transparent osseous roof over the nerve before forming the true canal, which we describe as a "pseudocanal" (Type 2, 50%). A true groove was seen in both orbits from a single cadaver (Type 3, 10%). Each cadaver had an ION course of the same type on both sides. Mean ± SD intraorbital foramen to infraorbital margin distance was 7.1 ± 1.4 mm. Distance from the infraorbital fissure to the infraorbital margin was 28.5 ± 2.3 mm. The course of the infraorbital nerve can be described as Type 1 (true canal), Type 2 (pseudocanal), and Type 3 (groove and canal). The authors propose that this novel classification system will raise awareness of variations in orbital floor anatomy.

A Comparison of Anatomical Measurements of the Infraorbital Foramen of Skulls of the Modern and Late Byzantine Periods and the Golden Ratio

El objetivo fue examinar las caracteristicas morfometricas de los foramenes infraorbitarios en craneos de personas que viven en la sociedad moderna y aquellas que vivieron en el periodo bizantino tardio, para determinar la simetria o asimetria de las dos mitades de los craneos. Se realizo la medicion de la distancia lineal entre varios puntos de referencia, para evaluar la conformidad entre el foramen infraorbitario (FO) y la proporcion aurea, mediante el calculo de la relacion entre esas distancias lineales, asi como las diferencias y similitudes entre los craneos de estos periodos. En relacion a las caracteristicas morfometricas, se encontraron en craneos de la epoca moderna FO circulares (47,05%), ovalados (41,17 %) y atipicos (semilunar y triangular) en un 11,76 %, del lado derecha, y en el lado izquierdo estos porcentajes correspondieron a circulares (70,58 %) y ovalados (29,41%). Por su parte, los craneos del periodo bizantino presentaron FO circulares (46,06 %) y ovalados (53,3 %) del lado derecho, mientras que del lado izquierdo fueron circulares (50 %) y ovalados (50 %). Se encontro que las medidas del FO de los craneos bizantino tuvo un promedio de 2,93±1,05 mm y 3,15±1,03 mm en el lado derecho, y 2,62±0,97 mm y 3,16±0,68 mm a la izquierda, vertical y horizontal, respectivamente; y en el periodo moderno midieron 2,32±0,50 mm y 3,00±0,92 mm a la derecha y 2,48±0,45 mm y 2,76±0,65 mm a la izquierda, en medidas verticales y horizontales respectivamente. La relacion entre las distancias de la pared orbitaria exterior del FO al plano sagital y la apertura piriforme fue de 1,46±0,25 mm y 1,40±0,21 mm, a izquierda y derecha respectivamente, para los craneos bizantinos; y 1,24±0,24 mm y 1,29±0,42 mm para los craneos modernos. Se encontro una diferencia significativa entre la proporcion obtenida y la proporcion aurea para cada uno de los periodos (moderno y bizantino) (p <0,005). La comparacion de las caracteristicas anatomicas del FO de individuos que vivieron en diferentes periodos historicos es valioso para los antropologos y los conocimientos sobre el calculo proporcional de la ubicacion del FO son importantes en la odontologia, cirugia maxilofacial y el estudio del dolor.

Location of the infraorbital foramen with reference to soft tissue landmarks.

The location of the infraorbital foramen and its variations are important during periorbital, dental, plastic, and oromaxillofacial surgeries. The aim of this study is to document the most practical anatomical soft tissue landmarks for defining the location of infraorbital foramen and infraorbital nerve for effective nerve blockade and to decrease its risk of injury during periorbital surgeries. Forty sides from 20 adult fixed cadavers were used for this study. The position of the infraorbital nerve was determined in reference to the lateral edge of the ala of the nose, medial and lateral palpebral commissures. All these three soft tissue landmarks were then connected to each other forming a triangular shaped region. In 75% of the cases the infraorbital foramen was located on the line which is connecting the lateral palpebral commissure to the ala of the nose. The closest distance of infraorbital foramen to the inferior orbital margin and to facial midline was also measured. The infraorbital foramen was located outside the previously defined triangular region in 20% and inside the triangle in 5%. The closest mean distance between the infraorbital foramen and the infraorbital margin was measured as 8.8±1.0mm and the distance between the medial wall of the infraorbital foramen and the facial midline was measured as 30.3±2.7mm. The triangular region and the soft tissue landmarks we offered in this study may facilitate prediction of the locations of the infraorbital foramen thus, the infraorbital nerve.

Dietary correlates associated with the mental foramen in primates: implications for interpreting the fossil record.

The mandibular nerve is a sensory and motor nerve that innervates the muscles of mastication, the lower dentition, and the lower lip and surrounding structures. Although this nerve contains both efferent and afferent fibers, the mental nerve, a terminal branch of the mandibular nerve, is a strictly sensory nerve that exits the mental foramen and innervates the lower lip, the skin overlaying the mandible, and the oral mucosa around the mandible. Osteological foramina are often used as proxies for nerve cross section area and they often correlate well with some aspect of a primate's ecology (e.g., optic foramen and visual acuity). The primary objective of this study is to explore the correlation between the mental foramen and dietary preference among primates. The mental foramen of 40 primate species (n = 180) was measured from 3-D surface models of the mandible. Both conventional and phylogenetic tests indicate that although frugivores have larger mental foramina than folivores, the differences were not significant. These results show that while structures like the infraorbital foramen correlate well with diet and touch sensitivity, the mental foramen does not. Based on these findings, the mental foramen is not a suggested morphological character for interpreting of the fossil record. J. Morphol. 277:978-985, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A new species of Metopocetus (Cetacea, Mysticeti, Cetotheriidae) from the Late Miocene of the Netherlands.

The family Cetotheriidae has played a major role in recent discussions of baleen whale phylogenetics. Within this group, the enigmatic, monotypic Metopocetus durinasus has been interpreted as transitional between herpetocetines and other members of the family, but so far has been restricted to a single, fragmentary cranium of uncertain provenance and age. Here, we expand the genus and shed new light on its phylogenetic affinities and functional morphology by describing Metopocetus hunteri sp. nov. from the Late Miocene of the Netherlands. Unlike the holotype of M. durinasus, the material described here is confidently dated and preserves both the tympanic bulla and additional details of the basicranium. M. hunteri closely resembles M. durinasus, differing primarily in its somewhat less distally expanded compound posterior process of the tympanoperiotic. Both species are characterised by the development of an unusually large fossa on the ventral surface of the paroccipital process, which extends anteriorly on to the compound posterior process and completely floors the facial sulcus. In life, this enlarged fossa may have housed the posterior sinus and/or the articulation of the stylohyal. Like other cetotheriids, Metopocetus also bears a well-developed, posteriorly-pointing dorsal infraorbital foramen near the base of the ascending process of the maxilla, the precise function of which remains unclear.

Anaesthetic efficacy of unilamellar and multilamellar liposomal formulations of articaine in inflamed and uninflamed tissue

We compared the efficacy of articaine encapsulated in multilamellar and unilamellar liposomes with that of articaine with epinephrine, after infiltration into inflamed and uninflamed tissue in rats. We encapsulated 4% articaine in multilamellar (articaine:multi) and unilamellar (articaine:uni) liposomes and compared them with 4% articaine with 1:100 000 epinephrine (articaine:epinephrine), in inflamed (plantar incision into the hind paw) and uninflamed (infraorbital nerve block) tissue in rats. Anaesthetic formulations (0.1ml) were injected near the right infraorbital foramen in uninflamed tissue, where success and duration of anaesthesia were assessed by pinching the upper lip every 5minutes. For inflamed tissue the anaesthetic formulations (0.1ml) were injected laterally into a surgical wound made 24hours earlier in the plantar region of the rat's right hind paw. The degree of anaesthesia was assessed by application of forces laterally to the wound with electronic von Frey filaments. Articaine:uni resulted in less successful anaesthesia than both articaine:multi (p=1.1x10-5) and articaine:epinephrine (p=4.3x10-8) in uninflamed tissue, but there were no differences in duration or success of anaesthesia between articaine:epinephrine and articaine:multi. In inflamed tissue articaine:epinephrine gave significantly more effective anaesthesia for longer than articaine:uni (p=2.3x10-6), and articaine:epinephrine (p=1.8x10-6) formulations, which did not differ from each other. Multilamellar liposomal articaine could be an option for local anaesthesia in uninflamed tissues. However, articaine with epinephrine gave better results than liposomal formulations in inflamed tissue.