Soft and bony tissues of the Human TMJ and Ear

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The human and mammalian ear is a remarkable example of evolutionary adaptation. Over the course of 300 million years, the bones and muscles that originally formed the jaw joint gradually shifted into what is now referred to as the middle ear cavity. We can still observe remnants of our inner reptilian heritage within our ears, including ancient jaw bones (ossicles), muscles, and their connections with the temporomandibular joint. This model was created using iodine contrast microCT scans of a human donor cadaver. Undergraduate student Kala Frazier, now a USC dental student, conducted this research as part of her Senior Capstone project at the University of Missouri. The University of Missouri's Gift of Body program is gratefully acknowledged for their support.