Naslov
Hominid enamel thickness: I. The Krapina Neandertals

Autori
Molnar, Stephen ; Hildebolt, Charles ; Molnar, Iva M. ; Radovčić, Jakov ; Gravier, Michael

Izvornik
American journal of physical anthropology (0002-9483) 92 (1993), 2; 131-138

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Dental Enamel - radiography ; Dental Enamel - anatomy & histology ; Hominidae - anatomy & histology ; Molar - anatomy & histology ; Molar - radiography

Sažetak
Dental x-rays were taken of isolated and in situ adult molar teeth of the Krapina Neandertal (n = 63) and of recent and contemporary molars (n = 423). The radiographs were digitized at high resolution (1, 024 x 1, 520 x 8 bits) with a 35 mm solid state scanner. Ratios of enamel cap area to the underlying dentinal-pulpal area were determined and comparisons were made between average ratios for the Neandertal and contemporary molars. Neandertal molars had significantly smaller ratios than did contemporary teeth (P < 0.05). It is suggested that the smaller ratios represent relatively thinner enamel for Neandertals and that the thin enamel may have been caused by a metabolic depression that resulted in reduced enamel quantity (hypoplasia). Alternatively, the observed differences may be related to expanded pulps seen in various stages of taurodontism.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

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