Elastic properties of the chimpanzee craniofacial cortical bone

In order to examine the biomechanics of a highly integrated structure such as the cranium, the data on material properties of bone is used as a foundation. This study focused on investigating the elastic properties in the craniofacial complex of the genus Pan. Our aim was to characterize the elastic properties of the chimpanzee cortical bone in seven regions of the cranium. Cortical bone samples from five adult chimpanzees were used and ultrasonic velocities were measured through the specimens. Algorithms in a MATHCAD program quantified the technical constants. Regional comparisons of data were accomplished by statistical analysis. Significant differences were observed in regional density but not for thickness. Elastic moduli demonstrated significant differences in the principal axes. Our findings suggest that the elastic properties of cortical bone in the chimpanzee craniofacial skeleton are influenced by its density, architecture and loading patterns in response to functional demands of the cranium.