Multiplanar MR and anatomic study of the mandibular canal.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the MR appearance of the mandibular canal and its contents.


METHODS
Cadaveric mandibles were imaged at 1.5 T and 3 T, then sectioned with a cryomicrotome. The size, shape, signal intensity, and pattern of structures in the mandibular canal were identified on MR images by comparing them with corresponding anatomic sections.


RESULTS
The inferior alveolar nerve and connective tissue were identified on the 1.5-T and 3-T images in the mandibular canal. Within the nerve the axon bundles were distinguished from the nerve sheath on the 3-T images.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that MR images can show excellent anatomic detail in the mandibular canal.
Ikeda
K
K
Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226, USA.
Ho
K C
KC
Nowicki
B H
BH
Haughton
V M
VM
D002102:Cadaver; D002610:Cheek / Q000294:innervation; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008340:Mandibular Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000294:innervation; D014059:Tongue / Q000294:innervation