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Feedback control from the jaw joints during biting: An investigation of the reptile Sphenodon using multibody modelling

Understanding the interplay between muscle function, bite and joint forces, and various receptors within soft tissues is hugely important in animal feeding. This BBSRC-funded research investigated the sensory role of the receptors in and around the jaw joints. It received significant attention in the media; for example, BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/humberside/hi/people_and_places/nature/newsid_9030000/9030255.stm), Science Daily (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100907071351.htm), and various dental websites (http://dentaltechblog.blogspot.co.uk/2010/09/reptiles-can-teach-you-about-dental.html). Complex multibody computer modelling revealed for the first time how animals without periodontal ligaments (including humans with dentures) might fall back on a secondary control mechanism that prevents teeth fracturing and damage to jaw joints during feeding, especially maximal biting.