The biomechanical role of the chondrocranium and the material properties of cartilage

Vertebrate Zoology

article

Marc E. H. Jones¹  Flora Gröning²  Richard M. Aspden²  Hugo Dutel³  Alana Sharp⁵  Mehran Moazen⁶  Michael J. Fagan⁴  Susan E. Evans¹ 

[1] Research Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Anatomy Building, UCL, University College London;School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen;School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol;Department of Engineering and Computer Science, Medical and Biological Engineering Research Group, University of Hull;Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool;Department of Mechanical Engineering, UCL, University College London

关键词: Biomechanics;    cartilage;    chondrocranium;    finite element analysis;    Salvator meriannae;    skull;   

DOI  :  10.26049/VZ70-4-2020-10

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Pensoft

【 摘 要 】

The chondrocranium is the cartilage component of the vertebrate braincase. Among jawed vertebrates it varies greatly in structure, mineralisation, and in the extent to which it is replaced by bone during development. In mammals, birds, and some bony fish, most of the chondrocranium is replaced by bone whereas in lizards, amphibians, and chondrichthyan fish it may remain a significant part of the braincase complex in adulthood. To what extent this variation relates to differences in skull biomechanics is poorly understood. However, there have been examinations of chondrocranium histology, in vivo strain, and impact on rostrum growth following partial removal of the chondrocranium. These studies have led to suggestions that the chondrocranium may provide structural support or serve to dampen external loads. Advances in computing-power have also facilitated an increase in the number of three-dimensional computer-based models. These models can be analysed (in silico) to test specific biomechanical hypotheses under specified loading conditions. However, representing the material properties of cartilage is still problematic because these properties differ according to the speed and direction of loading. The relationship between stress and strain is also non-linear. Nevertheless, analyses to date suggest that the chondrocranium does not provide a vertical support in lizards but it may serve to absorb some loads in humans. We anticipate that future models will include ever more detailed representations of the loading, anatomy, and material properties, in tandem with rigorous forms of model validation. However, comparison among a wider range of vertebrate subjects should also be pursued, in particular larvae, juveniles, and very small adult animals.

【 授权许可】

CC BY