Soft and bony tissues of the Human TMJ and Ear

3D Model

The human and mammalian ear is a wonder of evolution. During our 300 million years of synapsid evolution, the bones and muscles that once formed the jaw joint migrated into what is now called the middle ear cavity. We can still see vestiges of our inner reptile inside our ears including the ancient jaw bones (ossicles) muscles, and their connections with the Temporomandiublar Joint. This model was developed using Iodine contrast microCT of a human donor cadaver. Undergrad and now USC dental student Kala Frazier did the work as part of her Senior Capstone project at the University of Missouri. Thanks to the University of Missouri Gift of Body program for their support.