Craniofacial Muscles

Of the approximately 640 muscles in the human body, over 10% of them are found in the craniofacial region. The craniofacial muscles are involved in a number of crucial non-locomotor activities, and are critical to the most basic functions of life, including vision, taste, chewing and food manipulation, swallowing, respiration, speech, as well as regulating facial expression and controlling facial aperture patency. Despite their importance, the biology of these small skeletal muscles is relatively unexplored. Only recently have we begun to understand their unique embryonic development and the genes that control it and characteristic features that separate them from the skeletal muscle stereotype. This book is the most comprehensive reference to date on craniofacial muscle development, structure, function, and disease. It details the state-of-the-art basic science of the craniofacial muscles, and describes their unique response to major neuromuscular conditions. Most importantly, the text highlights how the craniofacial muscles are different from most skeletal muscles, and why they have been viewed as a distinct allotype. In addition, the text points to major gaps in our knowledge about these very important skeletal muscles and identified key gaps in our knowledge and areas primed for further study and discovery.

Of the approximately 640 muscles in the human body, over 10% of them are found in the craniofacial region. The craniofacial muscles are involved in a number of crucial non-locomotor activities, and are critical to the most basic functions of life, including vision, taste, chewing and food manipulation, swallowing, respiration, speech, as well as regulating facial expression and controlling facial aperture patency. Despite their importance, the biology of these small skeletal muscles is relatively unexplored. Only recently have we begun to understand their unique embryonic development and the genes that control it and characteristic features that separate them from the skeletal muscle stereotype. This book is the most comprehensive reference to date on craniofacial muscle development, structure, function, and disease. It details the state-of-the-art basic science of the craniofacial muscles, and describes their unique response to major neuromuscular conditions. Most importantly, the text highlights how the craniofacial muscles are different from most skeletal muscles, and why they have been viewed as a distinct allotype. In addition, the text points to major gaps in our knowledge about these very important skeletal muscles and identified key gaps in our knowledge and areas primed for further study and discovery.

Provides clinicians with a basic background for treating craniofacial anomalies. Includes a CD-ROM with entire text and illustrations of the book in fully searchable PDF files Accompanying CD also contains three-dimensional movies that show reconstructions of embryos

This book provides a comprehensive scientific investigation into every aspect of craniomandibular muscle function in both human and experimental animal studies. Topics discussed cover three broad areas: the anatomical, physiological, and histochemical aspects of these muscles; the special importance of these muscles to resting mandibular posture and mastication; and their role in clinically relevant problems involved with occlusion, craniomandibular disorders, and the growth and development of the cranioskeleton. Over 150 figures and tables are used to illustrate the concepts in these three areas. Methods for studying craniomandibular muscles are examined in depth, and the use of classically defined techniques such as electromyography and newer approaches using magnetic resonance spectroscopy and immunological identification of contractile proteins are discussed. Specialists in oral biology, orthodontics, oral surgery, prosthodontics, and craniomandibular disorders in schools and in private practice should consider this book an indispensable resource for their work and studies.

The accompanying CD-ROM includes the complete text and illustrations from the print volume, as well as three-dimensional movies that show reconstructions of embryos.