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Abstract

The most significant finding of the study, obtained by analysis of coronal CT scans, is the role of the hard palate and the nasal septum in conjunction with the vomer and the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid in the transmission of masticatory forces.It extrapolates, experimentally, the transmission of such forces to the cranium based on the architectural principles of Gothic cathedrals. This study demonstrates that the human skull and Gothic cathedrals have similar morphological and functional characteristics. The load exerted by the roof of the cathedral is akin to the forces exerted by the masticatory forces from the maxillary dentition. The load from the roof of the cathedral is transmitted to the ground by piers and buttresses which also resist the shearing forces exerted by the high winds. Similarly the nasal septum and other mid-facial bones of the skull transmit the vertical and lateral maxillary forces from the maxillary dentition to the skull base. The non-load bearing walls and stained glass windows of the cathedral correspond to the translucent wall of the maxilla. The passageway between the aisle and the nave of the cathedral is equivalent to the metal openings in the lateral wall of the nasal cavity.

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