Masticatory biomechanics in the rabbit: a multi-body dynamics analysis

Watson, Peter J.; Gröning, Flora; Curtis, Neil; Fitton, Laura C.; Herrel, Anthony; McCormack, Steven W.; Fagan, Michael J.

Abstract

Multi-body dynamics is a powerful engineering tool which is becoming increasingly popular for the simulation and analysis of skull biomechanics. This paper presents the first application of multi-body dynamics to analyse the biomechanics of the rabbit skull. A model has been constructed through the combination of manual dissection and three-dimensional imaging techniques (magnetic resonance imaging and micro-computed tomography). Individual muscles are represented with multiple layers, thus more accurately modelling muscle fibres with complex lines of action. Model validity was sought through comparing experimentally measured maximum incisor bite forces with those predicted by the model. Simulations of molar biting highlighted the ability of the masticatory system to alter recruitment of two muscle groups, in order to generate shearing or crushing movements. Molar shearing is capable of processing a food bolus in all three orthogonal directions, whereas molar crushing and incisor biting are predominately directed vertically. Simulations also showthat the masticatory system is adapted to process foods through several cycles with low muscle activations, presumably in order to prevent rapidly fatiguing fast fibres during repeated chewing cycles. Our study demonstrates the usefulness of a validated multi-body dynamics model for investigating feeding biomechanics in the rabbit, and shows the potential for complementing and eventually reducing in vivo experiments.

Citation

Watson, P. J., Gröning, F., Curtis, N., Fitton, L. C., Herrel, A., McCormack, S. W., & Fagan, M. J. (2014). Masticatory biomechanics in the rabbit: a multi-body dynamics analysis. Journal of the Royal Society interface / the Royal Society, 11(99), Article 20140564. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2014.0564

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 14, 2014
• Online Publication Date: Aug 13, 2014
• Publication Date: Aug 13, 2014
• Deposit Date: Oct 30, 2015
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 23, 2017
• Journal: Interface
• Print ISSN: 1742-5689
• Electronic ISSN: 1742-5662
• Publisher: The Royal Society
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 99
• Article Number: 20140564
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2014.0564
• Keywords: Multi-body dynamics analysis; Rabbit skull; Bite force; Mastication
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/380615
• Publisher URL: http://rsif.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/11/99/20140564
• Additional Information: Copy of article first published in: Interface, 2014, v.11, issue 99.