Abstract
All attempts to solve the “chin problem”, and understand the reasons why modern humans have a symphysis which differs in shape from that of all other primates, must necessarily incorporate a theoretical understanding of the mechanical principles involved in the lower jaw. Based on a knowledge of the kinetics of mastication provided by Hiiemae (1966, 1967, 1976, 1978), Hiiemae and Crompton (1971), Hiiemae and Kay (1973), Kay and Hiiemae (1974) and on the experimental results obtained and evaluated by Hylander (1975, 1978, 1979a, 1979b, 1979c), I have worked out a mathematical formulation on the principle of stresses involved with the mandible (Wolff, 1982).
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References
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Wolff, J.E.A. (1984). A Theoretical Approach to Solve the Chin Problem. In: Chivers, D.J., Wood, B.A., Bilsborough, A. (eds) Food Acquisition and Processing in Primates. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-5244-1_17
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-5244-1_17
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