The elastic properties of maxillofacial and oral region assessed by scanning acoustic microscopy

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Scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) enables us to assess the tissue elasticity based on the propagation of sound speed. The aim of this study is to elucidate the change of the elasticity of mandibular condylar cartilage (MCC) and periodontal ligaments (PDL) by using SAM. SAM clearly visualized two-dimensional distribution of the sound speed changes of MCC and PDL. The sound speed of MCC and PDL increased significantly in the course of development. Collagens and Aggrecan were expressed in the MCC and PDL. SAM is a powerful tool for evaluating the elasticity and its distribution in tissues. These results suggested that the change of tissues was induced by morphological development such as the production and/or cross-link of collagens, and the functional development such as occlusal construction.