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 (Sp-ague Dawley, Wistar Albino, Wag/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 strain, 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 Balb-c, the termination of proc. angularis at the level of proc. condylaris and the shallow tuberculum masseterica were identified as distinctive anatomical structures; for Wag/Rij, the termination of proc. angularis at the level of proc. condylaris, the prominent tuberculum masseterica, and the localization of the molar teeth were macroscopically revealed as distinctive features. Specific measurement parameters were proc. coronoideus height for Balb-c; mandible length and lower M3 crown length for CD-1, while specific measurement point was no available for C57bl/6. In rats, proc. coronoideus height was the specific measurement point for Wag/ Rij; lower M3 crown length was decisive for Sprague Dawley. The mandible length parameter was specific for all rat strains. It was concluded that strain determination could be made by looking at these distinctive parameters.