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Zoological letters2023; 9(1); 14; doi: 10.1186/s40851-023-00213-w

Morphological and radiological mapping of dental cusps in relation to spatial constraints on tooth shape of one humped camel (Camelus dromedarius).

Abstract: A significant extent of researches in veterinary study have been focused on dental structure; however, there are scanty ones on the orientation and identification of their cusps. Therefore, the present article aimed to spot a light on arrangement pattern of dental cusps in the camel as a folivorous and graminivorous animal. This study was conducted on eight heads of adult, healthy camel of both sexes, collected from slaughter houses. To perform exact orientation of cusps of molar teeth, additional radiological and CT scans were performed on the mandible as a landmark that should facilitate the reading of cusps map. It was evident that, the cusps are arranged in crescentic appearance, seledontal form, with two cusps on each side, paracone and hypocone on the lingual surface and protocone and metacone on the vestibular aspect. Thus, camels cannot wear bite like equines, which would interfere with their constant chewing method. The camels' dental cusps provide some of the finest examples of convergent evolution, which offer insights both into correlates between form and function, and into how the ability of euthomorphic cusps in intrapability and stabilization of food items and its comminution between formidable cusps and occlusal spillway in between. Further studies should be done on the brachydontteeth and tropospheric cusps to fill the functional anatomy gap of teeth, in addition to diversity of cusps form. This study is considered a basic comparative anatomical study for normal healthy dentition and forensic practice, in addition to its importance in detection of local aspects of dental problems in camels.
© 2023. The Author(s).
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Publication Date: 2023-06-19 PubMed ID: 37337240PubMed Central: PMC10278341DOI: 10.1186/s40851-023-00213-wGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article explores the orientation and arrangement of dental cusps in camels, offering insights into the form, function, and evolutionary aspects of their structure. By examining the dental structure of the camel, the study provides a basis for future studies on dental anatomy and potential dental health issues in camels.

Objective and Method

  • The purpose of this research was to investigate the arrangement and pattern of dental cusps in camels, which are noth folivorous (leaf-eating) and graminivorous (grass-eating) animals. This focus arises from a lack of existing studies on the orientation and identification of dental cusps, despite considerable focus on veterinary dental structures in general.
  • The research was carried out on eight heads from adult, healthy camels of both sexes. These heads were collected from slaughterhouses.
  • In order to accurately identify the orientation of the molar teeth’s cusps, the researchers implemented radiological and CT scans, using the mandible as a landmark to facilitate interpretation of the cusps map.

Findings

  • The study found that the dental cusps in camels are arranged in a specific pattern: a crescentic appearance, or seledontal form, with two cusps on each side. Specifically, the paracone and hypocone are found on the lingual surface, while the protocone and metacone are on the vestibular aspect.
  • As a result of this configuration, it was determined that camels do not possess the ability to wear bite like equines. This has implications for their constant chewing method.
  • The research indicated that the structure of camels’ dental cusps provides notable examples of convergent evolution: it sheds light on the relationship between form and function, and how the cusps’ euthomorphic structure aids in the capture and stabilization of food, as well as its grinding between strong cusps and the occlusal spillway in between.

Implications and Future Research

  • This research has emphasized the need for additional studies to be conducted on brachydont teeth and tropospheric cusps. These studies can help bridge the knowledge gap in functional dental anatomy, as well as in the diversity of cusp form.
  • The study is considered valuable for both a normal healthy dentition and forensic practice. It also carries importance in identifying local dental problems in camels.

Cite This Article

APA
Erasha AM, Nazih M, Ali S, Alsafy M, El-Gendy S, Sayed RKA. (2023). Morphological and radiological mapping of dental cusps in relation to spatial constraints on tooth shape of one humped camel (Camelus dromedarius). Zoological Lett, 9(1), 14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40851-023-00213-w

Publication

Zoological letters
ISSN: 2056-306X
NlmUniqueID: 101664800
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 9
Issue: 1
Pages: 14
PII: 14

Researcher Affiliations

Erasha, Atef M
  • Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Sadat, Egypt.
Nazih, Mohammed
  • Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, New Valley University, New Valley, Egypt.
Ali, Safwat
  • Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt.
Alsafy, Mohamed
  • Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
El-Gendy, Samir
  • Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
Sayed, Ramy K A
  • Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt. ramy.kamal@vet.sohag.edu.eg.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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