Gnathology
Study of the masticatory system
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gnathology is the study of the masticatory system, including its physiology, functional disturbances, and treatment.[1]
The term was introduced by Stallard in 1924 to describe the science relating to the anatomy, histology, physiology, and pathology of the masticatory system.[2] Beverly McCollum founded the Gnathologic Society in 1926.[3] David W. McLean, who chaired the board of directors, represented the Southern California Gnathologic Society at a 1929 meeting in Mexico City to advance the work of the organization.[4]
Jack Hockel described gnathology as the study of the relationship of the mandibular border movements and occlusal morphology, and how this relationship affects the anatomy, histology, physiology, pathology, and therapeutics of the oral organ. His work sets out ten characteristics of proper occlusion as a goal of gnathology.[5]
