Abstract | OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics in the topographic distribution of the muscle spindles in human masticatory muscles. METHODS: The muscle spindles of the masticatory muscles on both sides of 3 human corpses fixed in formalin for more than 1 year were observed histologically and analyzed quantitatively using an image analysis system. RESULTS: The mean muscle spindle density was 32.11/g in the masseter, significantly higher in the deep muscular fibers (70.76/g) with high proportion of spindle complexes than in the superficial layers of the muscle belly (P<0.05). The mean spindle density in the temporalis was 5.44/g, higher in the anterior portion (7.44/g) than in the posterior portion (3.78/g, P<0.01). The medial pterygoid had a mean spindle density of 4.43/g. CONCLUSION: These results indicate a heterogeneous distribution of muscle spindles in the masticatory muscles with different morphologies or in different portions of the same muscle, depending on muscle fiber type and muscular architecture.
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Authors | Yue-rong Zhang, Jing Liu |
Journal | Nan fang yi ke da xue xue bao = Journal of Southern Medical University
(Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao)
Vol. 29
Issue 9
Pg. 1820-2
(Sep 2009)
ISSN: 1673-4254 [Print] China |
PMID | 19778800
(Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Topics |
- Humans
- Masticatory Muscles
(innervation, physiology)
- Muscle Spindles
(anatomy & histology, physiology)
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