Análise microscópica comparativa entre o desenvolvimento do côndilo mandibular e da cabeça do fêmur em ratos

Abstract

The mandibular condyle is a fundamental structure for the vertical growth of the craniofacial complex and the functioning of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), supporting the application during movement and providing anchorage for the articular disc. Its growth occurs through endochondral ossification. Another structure related to the growth of the human body is the femur, whose development pattern is similar to the mandibular condyle, which is why it is important to study the growth and development of these structures in order to understand the development processes and changes that may be related. to development. Therefore, the objective of this study was to perform a descriptive and comparative microscopic analysis between the mandibular condyle and the head of the femur in rats. Fifteen male Wistar rats were used, divided into 3 groups, according to the number of weeks after birth, with each group lasting 2, 4 and 6 weeks, respectively. The head and femur of the rats were removed for morphological and histomorphometric analysis of the structures. The morphology reveals small differences between the condyle and the femur, related to the cartilage zone I and the epiphyseal disc below the subchondral bone. Histomorphometric parameters reveal similarities between the structures in relation to head height, base width, subchondral bone height, total cartilage thickness and cartilage zone III, however, there are divergences regarding the amount of clastic cells and zones I and II of cartilage. There are morphological and histomophormetric similarities between the two structures. Therefore, it is possible to observe that there are similarities between the two structures, despite some differences found. Studying correct growth and development is essential to support studies of developmental disorders and their forms of treatment.