Radiographic anatomy of the rabbit skull, with particular reference to the tympanic bulla and temporomandibular joint. Part 2: Ventral and dorsal rotational angles

Abstract

This is the second part of a two-part study to document rabbit skull radiographic anatomy with particular reference to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and tympanic bulla (TB), and identify views that allowed their optimal visualisation. Equipment was used that allowed repeatable positioning of skulls at known rotational angles in ventral (rostrocaudal to ventrodorsal) with the mouth closed and open, and dorsal (rostrocaudal to dorsoventral position) directions. The views were repeated with lead markers attached to anatomical features and cadaver heads. The TBs were visible between 40° and 90° from rostrocaudal in both directions, but opening the mouth did not improve visualisation. The TMJs were visible until 40° in a ventral direction, but only 20° in a dorsal one. Opening the mouth slightly altered the regions of the joint being skylined, but did not otherwise enhance imaging of this region.