Question

Research wolff's law. how does the formation of torus mandibularis relate to this theory?

Answer 1

Answer:

According to wolff (German Anatomist and Surgeon),the adaptation shown by a  bone in an  healthy animal or human depends on the loads it bear.Therefore, changes in the structure or type  load the bone bears, will lead to a corresponding change in the bone bearing the load.A practical example is the development of the bone in hand used by a professional tennis player to hold racket.The bones of this hand usually appear stronger and well developed  than the other hand.

When a bony outgrowth, emerges in the mandible close to the surface of the tongue, this outgrowth is called Torus mandibularis. It is commonly found near the premolars, in a bilateral conditions. It is common among the Asian and the indigenous people of  Canada, Greenland and Alaska(the Inuit).

If it is caused by bruxism (teeth grinding)This will create stress on the impacted bone.Therefore based on Wolff's theory, the impact of this  local stress,(teeth grinding) may cause transformation in the shape of the part of the mandible associated with the teeth,an therefore leads to  the  bony outgrowth.

This theory may also be interpreted  with Lamarck theory  of use and disuse.