Comparative Macroscopic and Morphometric Analysis of Mandible in Different Mouse (Balb-c; Cd-1; C57bl/6) and Rat Strains (Wistar Albino; Sprague Dawley; Wag/Rij)

Since the morphology of the mandible varies among animal species, it is the subject of many studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the macroanatomical and morphometric aspects of the mandible in three different rat (Spague Dawley, Wistar Albino, Wig/Rij) and mouse strains (Balb-c, C57bl/6, CD-1). In this study, which was conducted using a total of 96 mandibles, 8 females and 8 males from each species, measurements were taken from 6 parameters. Similarities and differences between strains and sexes were revealed by statistical analyses. The mandibles were examined under a stereomicroscope. For the Balb-c strain, the termination of the process of the angularis at the level of the process of the condylaris and the shallowness of the masseteric tubercle; for Wig/Rij rats, the proc. angularis, proc. The termination of the condylaris level, the prominent masseteric tubercle and the localization of the molar teeth were macroscopically revealed as distinctive anatomical structures. Specific measurement parameters were proc. coronoideus height for Balb-c mouse; mandible length and lower M3 crown length for CD-1 mouse, while no specific measurement point was available for C57bl/6 mouse. In rats, proc. coronoideus height was the specific measurement point for Wig/Rij rat; lower M3 crown length was decisive for Sprague Dawley. Mandible length parameter was specific for all rat strains. It was concluded that strain determination could be made by looking at these distinctive parameters.