Analysis of the posterior teeth in primates: influence of cranial parameters in the development of the dentition in primates

• Grant number: 16/23978-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2017
• End date: December 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Sergio Roberto Peres Line
• Grantee: Camila da Silva Menezes
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba (FOP). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The evolution of the posterior dentition in primates seems to have taken two distinct paths. From the primitive dentition formed by 3 premolars and 3 molars (P3M3), 2 other dentition patterns were composed of 2 premolars and 3 molars (P2M3) and 3 premolars and 2 molars (P2M3). It is believed that these new patterns of dentition must have originated due to morphological and / or functional adaptations in the masticatory apparatus. However, it is known this apparatus is closely connected to the neurokranium. Although they have distinct embryological functions and origins, the intimate connection between the face (splanchnocranium) and the neurocranium may cause variations in the shape or structure of one of these components to require adaptations in the other counterpart. This is necessary to optimize the function of the two systems, which function as partially independent modules. Thus, it is possible that variations in the primate neurocranium may have influenced the pattern of the dentition. In this way the objective of the present project is to investigate possible associations between facial and craniometric measures and the pattern of the dentition in mammals. (AU)