Study on the Development of the Mouse Ossicles Using Micro-CT

Abstract

Background and Objectives：Detailed information on how ossicles change in the developing temporal bone would be helpful in understanding biomechanical knowledge of ossicles. In this study, three dimensional structural images of mouse were investigated through Micro-CT to understand developmental anatomy of its ossicles.

Materials and Method：Thirty five temporal bones of BALB/c mice, aged from gestational day 11 to postnatal day 21, and adults were investigated. Three-dimensional highresolution reconstructions of the ossicles of the left sided temporal bones were obtained using a Micro-CT system. The right sided temporal bones were used for the histological study.

Results： Internal biomechanical characters (volume fraction, structure model index, degree of anisotropy, etc) of murine ossicles and temporal bones were attained to the adult level at postnatal day 21.

Conclusion：This study will be useful in understanding the more accurate microstructure of murine temporal bone, and will provide the anatomical basis for the future animal studies.