Our research focuses on the function and evolution of vertebrate feeding systems, how they work in living animals and how they evolved over time. We use our studies of nonhuman and human primates to study what happens when feeding systems don’t work properly in people, and how we might help fix these problems.
We use a combination of in vivo experiments, field work, anatomical studies, and finite element modeling to study form:function relationships (design) in vertebrate skulls. We relate loading, deformation, stress, and strain regimes in the skull to feeding behavior in vertebrates, with an emphasis on mammals. We use finite element methods for bioengineering studies of humans.
Projects
Non-mammalian vertebrates
The Ross Lab has a long-standing interest in the evolutionary biomechanics of non-mammalian vertebrates, especially crocodylians and lepidosaurs.
Related Publications
Rhythmic chew cycles with distinct fast and slow phases are ancestral to gnathostomes
Brian A. Richard, Meghan Spence, Mateo Rull-Garza, Yonas Tolosa Roba, Daniel Schwarz, Jason B. Ramsay, J. D. Laurence-Chasen, Callum F. Ross, Nicolai Konow. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. 378: 20220539. (2023)
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[DOI]
Comparative cranial biomechanics in two lizard species: impact of variation in cranial design
Dutel, H, Gröning, F, Sharp, AC, Watson, PJ, Herrel, A, Ross, CF, Jones, MH, Evans, SE, Fagan, MJ. Journal of Experimental Biology. jeb.234831 (2021)
[DOI]
Bite force and cranial bone strain in four species of lizards
Ross, CF, Porro, LB, Herrel, A, Evans, SE, Fagan, MJ. Journal of Experimental Biology. 221, jeb180240 (2018)
[DOI]
In vivo cranial bone strain and bite force in the agamid lizard Uromastyx geyri
Porro LB, Ross, CF, Iriarte-Diaz, J, O’Reilly, JC, Evans, SE, Fagan, M. The Journal of Experimental Biology. 217(11): 1983-1992 (2014)
In vivo bone strain and finite element modeling of the mandible of Alligator mississippiensis
Porro, LB, Metzger K, Iriarte-Diaz, J, Ross, CF. Journal of Anatomy. 223(3): 195-227 (2013)
Bone strain gradients and optimization in tetrapod skulls
Ross, CF and Metzger, KA. Annals of Anatomy. 186: 387-396 (2004)
Non-primate mammals
The Ross Lab is working closely with the Luo Lab to better understand the evolution of the mammalian mandible. We are using the opossum feeding system as a tool for understanding how best to model transformations of mandible form in early mammals. Kelsey Stilson is studying the role of periodontal afferents in control of 3d jaw movements during chewing in opossums. Alec Wilken is studying loading and strain regimes in the mandibles of opossums and early mammals.
Related Publications
The Kinematics of Proal Chewing in Rats
E.D. McParland, J.K. Mitchell, J.D. Laurence-Chasen, L.C. Aspinwall, O. Afolabi, K. Takahashi, C.F. Ross and N.J. Gidmark. Integrative Organismal Biology. Volume 6, Issue 1, 2024, obae023 (2024)
[DOI]
A new biomechanical model of the mammal jaw based on load path analysis
Alec T. Wilken, Julia A. Schultz, Zhe-Xi Luo, Callum F. Ross. Journal of Experimental Morphology. jeb-247030 (2024)
[PDF]
[DOI]
Head posture impacts mammalian hyoid position and suprahyoid muscle length: implication for swallowing biomechanics
Peishu Li, Callum F. Ross, Zhe-Xi Luo, Nicholas J. Gidmark. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. 378: 20220552. (2023)
[PDF]
[DOI]
Skull shape and the demands of feeding: a biomechanical study of peccaries (Mammalia, Cetartiodactyla)
Hendges, CD, Patterson, BD, Cáceres, NC, Gasparini GM & Ross, CF. Journal of Mammalogy. 100 (2): 475–486 (2019)
[DOI]
Primate mandibles
We are working with Olga Panagiotopoulou at Monash University on finite element modeling of the mandible of Macaca during feeding and with Felippe Prado’s team at UNICAMP in Brazil of FEM of the mandible of Sapajus.
Related Publications
The impact of measurement technique and sampling on estimates of skeletal muscle fibre architecture
Andrea B. Taylor, Claire E. Terhune, Callum F. Ross, Christopher J. Vinyard. The Anatomical Record. Volume 307, Issue 9 (2024)
[DOI]
Ontogenetic changes in jaw leverage and skull shape in tufted and untufted capuchins
Megan A Holmes, Claire E Terhune, Janine Chalk-Wilayto, Caitlin B Yoakum, Parker Taylor, Rocio Ramirez, Megan P Solís, Taylor A Polvadore, Callum F Ross, Andrea B Taylor, Mariana Dutra Fogaca, Myra F Laird. Journal of Morphology. 285(5):e21705 (2024)
[DOI]
[PubMed]
Dynamic finite element modelling of the macaque mandible during a complete mastication gape cycle
Olga Panagiotopoulou, Dale Robinson, Jose Iriarte-Diaz, David Ackland, Andrea B. Taylor and Callum F. Ross. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. 378: 20220549. (2023)
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[DOI]
Does the model reflect the system? When two-dimensional biomechanics is not ‘good enough’
Amanda L. Smith, Julian Davis, Olga Panagiotopoulou, Andrea B. Taylor, Chris Robinson, Carol V. Ward, William H. Kimbel, Zeresenay Alemseged and Callum F. Ross. J. R. Soc. Interface.. 202022053620220536 (2023)
[DOI]
Comparative biomechanics of the Pan and Macaca mandibles during mastication: Finite element modeling of loading, deformation and strain regimes
Smith, AL, Robinson, C, Taylor, AB, Panagiotopoulou, O, Davis, J, Ward, CV, Kimbel, WH, Alemseged, Z, Ross, CF. Royal Society Interface. 336844:51:00 (2021)
[DOI]
Biomechanics of the mandible of Macaca mulatta during the power stroke of mastication: Loading, deformation, and strain regimes and the impact of food type
Panagiotopoulou, O, Iriarte-Diaz, J, Mehari-Abraha, H, Taylor, AB, Wilshin, S, Dechow, PC. Journal of Human Evolution. 147 (2020)
[DOI]
The mechanical effect of the periodontal ligament on bone strain regimes in a validated finite element model of a macaque mandible
Mehari-Abraha, H, Iriarte-Diaz, J, Ross, CF, Taylor, AB, Panagiotopoulou, O. Frontiers in Biomechanics. 2019 (2019)
[DOI]
In vivo bone strain and finite element modeling of a rhesus macaque mandible during mastication
Panagiotopoulou, O, Iriarte-Diaz, J, Wilshin, S, Dechow, PC, Taylor, AB, Mehari-Abraha, H, Aljunid, SF, Ross, CF. Zoology. 134: 13-29 (2017)
[DOI]
Functional correlates of the position of the axis of rotation of the mandible during chewing in non-human primates
Iriarte-Diaz, J, Terhune, C, Taylor, AB, Ross, CF. Zoology. 124: 106-118 (2017)
[DOI]
Scaling of rotational inertia of primate mandibles
Ross, CF, Iriarte-Diaz, J, Platts, E, Walsh, T, Heins, L, Gerstner, GE, Taylor, AB. Journal of Human Evolution. 106: 119-132 (2017)
[DOI]
In vivo bone strain in the mandibular corpus of Sapajus during different oral food processing behaviors.
Ross, CF, J Iriarte-Diaz, D Reed, TA Stewart, AB Taylor. Journal of Human Evolution. 98: 36-65 (2016)
[DOI]
What does feeding system morphology tell us about feeding?
Ross, CF, J Iriarte-Diaz. Evolutionary Anthropology. 23(3): 105-120 (2014)
The instantaneous center of rotation of the mandible in non-human primates
Terhune, C, Iriarte-Diaz, J Taylor, A, Ross, CF. Integrative and Comparative Biology. 51(2): 320-332 (2011)
Primate crania
The Ross Lab has a long standing interest in craniofacial function during feeding in primates. Experimental studies are informing studies of muscle architecture dynamics and sagittal suture function in capuchins.
Related Publications
The impact of measurement technique and sampling on estimates of skeletal muscle fibre architecture
Andrea B. Taylor, Claire E. Terhune, Callum F. Ross, Christopher J. Vinyard. The Anatomical Record. Volume 307, Issue 9 (2024)
[DOI]
Ontogenetic changes in jaw leverage and skull shape in tufted and untufted capuchins
Megan A Holmes, Claire E Terhune, Janine Chalk-Wilayto, Caitlin B Yoakum, Parker Taylor, Rocio Ramirez, Megan P Solís, Taylor A Polvadore, Callum F Ross, Andrea B Taylor, Mariana Dutra Fogaca, Myra F Laird. Journal of Morphology. 285(5):e21705 (2024)
[DOI]
[PubMed]
Gape drives regional variation in temporalis architectural dynamics in tufted capuchins
Myra F. Laird, Jose Iriarte-Diaz, Craig D. Byron, Michael C. Granatosky, Andrea B. Taylor and Callum F. Ross. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. 378: 20220550. (2023)
[PDF]
[DOI]
Macaca mulatta is a good model for human mandibular fixation research
Pranav N Haravu, Hyab Mehari Abraha, Michelle Shang, Jose Iriarte-Diaz, Andrea B Taylor, Russell R Reid, Callum F Ross, Olga Panagiotopoulou. Royal Society Open Science. 16;9(11):220438 (2023)
[DOI]
[PubMed]
Mechanical compensation in the evolution of the early hominin feeding apparatus
Ledogar, J, Senck, S, Villmoare, B, Smith, A, Weber, G, Richmond, B, Dechow, P, Ross, CF, Grosse, I, Wright, B, Wang, Q, Byron, C, Benazzi, S, Carlson, K, Carlson, K, McIntosh, L, van Casteren, A, Strait, D. Proceedings of the Royal Society B. 337300:51:00 (2022)
[DOI]
Biomechanics of the mandible of Macaca mulatta during the power stroke of mastication: Loading, deformation, and strain regimes and the impact of food type
Panagiotopoulou, O, Iriarte-Diaz, J, Mehari-Abraha, H, Taylor, AB, Wilshin, S, Dechow, PC. Journal of Human Evolution. 147 (2020)
[DOI]
Muscle architecture dynamics modulate performance of the superficial anterior temporalis muscle during chewing in capuchins
Laird, MF, Granatosky, MC, Taylor, AB, Ross, CF. Scientific Reports. 116:50:00 (2020)
[DOI]
Evolution, constraint and optimality in primate feeding systems
V. Ed. Ross, CF, Iriarte-Diaz, J. Feeding In Vertebrates, Fascinating Life Sciences. Springer Nature, Switzerland. Pp. 787-829 (2019)
[DOI]
Sagittal plane kinematics of the jaw and hyolingual apparatus during swallowing in Macaca mulatta
Nakamura, Y, Iriarte-Diaz, J, Arce-McShane, F, Orsbon, CP, Brown, KA, Eastment, M, Inoue, M, Ross, CF, Takahashi, K. Dysphagia. 32(5): 663-677 (2017)
[DOI]
Primate feeding behavior
Field studies of wild capuchins in Brazil and Suriname (with Barth Wright, Kristin Wright and David Strait) have yielded important data on relationships between feeding behavior, food mechanical properties, and feeding posture. This important work continues with ontogenetic studies of capuchin feeding behavior under Myra Laird, Claire Terhune, Janine Chalk-Wilayto, and Megan Holmes.
Related Publications
Tradeoffs between bite force and gape in Eulemur and Varecia
Myra F Laird, Taylor A Polvadore , Gabrielle A Hirschkorn, Julie C McKinney, Callum F Ross, Andrea B Taylor, Claire E Terhune, Jose Iriarte-Diaz. Journal of Morphology. 285(5):e21699 (2024)
[DOI]
[PubMed]
Gape drives regional variation in temporalis architectural dynamics in tufted capuchins
Myra F. Laird, Jose Iriarte-Diaz, Craig D. Byron, Michael C. Granatosky, Andrea B. Taylor and Callum F. Ross. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. 378: 20220550. (2023)
[PDF]
[DOI]
Dynamic finite element modelling of the macaque mandible during a complete mastication gape cycle
Olga Panagiotopoulou, Dale Robinson, Jose Iriarte-Diaz, David Ackland, Andrea B. Taylor and Callum F. Ross. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. 378: 20220549. (2023)
[PDF]
[DOI]
Effects of food material properties on food processing efficiency in bearded capuchins
Chalk-Wilayto, J, Fogaça, M, Wright, B, van Casteren, A, Fragaszy, D, Izar, P, Visalberghi, E, Strait, D, Ross, CF, Wright, K, Laird, M. American Journal of Biological Anthropology. (2022)
[DOI]
Feeding postural behaviors and food material and geometric properties in bearded capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus)
Laird, MF, Punjani, Z, Oshay, RR, Wright, BW, Fogaça, MD, van Casteren, A, Izar, P, Visalberghi, E, Fragazy, D, Strait, DS, Ross, CF, Wright, KA. American Journal of Biological Anthropology. 178(1): 3–16 (2022)
[DOI]
How capuchin monkeys use their semi-prehensile tail
Mangalam, M, Ross, CF, Izar, P, Visalberghi, E, Fragaszy, DM. Current Science. 122(2): 195-200 (2022)
Grit your teeth and chew your food: Implications of food material properties and abrasives for rates of dental microwear formation in laboratory Sapajus apella (Primates)
Teaford, MF, Ungar, PS, Taylor, AB, Vinyard, CJ, Ross, CF, Laird, MF. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Paleoecology. 583(4):110644 (2021)
[DOI]
Ingestive behaviors in bearded capuchins (Sapajus libidinosus)
Laird, MF, Wright, BW, Rivera, AO, Fogaça, MD, van Casteren, A, Fragaszy, DM, Izar, P, Visalberghi, E, Scott, RS, Strait, DS, Ross, CF, Wright, KA. Scientific Reports. 357:30:00 (2020)
[DOI]
The dental microwear of hard-object feeding in laboratory Sapajus apella and its implications for dental microwear formation
Teaford, MF, Ungar, PS, Taylor, AB Ross, CF, Vinyard, CJ. American Journal of Physical Anthropology. (2020)
[DOI]
Taking a big bite: working together to better understand the evolution of feeding in primates
Wright, BW, Wright, KA, Strait, DS, Ross, CF, Laird, MF, Van Casteren, A, Scott, R. American Journal of Primatology. (2019)
[DOI]
Human bioengineering
Our lab is working with Dr. Russell Reid in the Department of Surgery and with the Panagiotopoulou Lab at Monash University, and Drs. Felippe Prado, Ana Claudia Rossi and Alexandre Freire at UNICAMP in Brazil to improve treatment of disorders affecting human craniofacial skeletons. To improve treatment of mandible fractures, Panagiotopoulou is using validated finite element models to estimate the strain regimes in the fracture zone and around the implants to determine which fracture repair method–Champy or biplanar–is most effective. We are working with Drs. Prado, Rossi and Freire on FEM of distraction osteogenesis in infants with hypoplastic mandibles. We have also shown how the concept of “facial pillars” in the human clinical literature is not supported by morphological evidence, but does describe skeletal function during chewing.
Related Publications
Dynamic finite element modelling of the macaque mandible during a complete mastication gape cycle
Olga Panagiotopoulou, Dale Robinson, Jose Iriarte-Diaz, David Ackland, Andrea B. Taylor and Callum F. Ross. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. 378: 20220549. (2023)
[PDF]
[DOI]
Macaca mulatta is a good model for human mandibular fixation research
Pranav Haravu, Hyab Mehari Abraha, Michelle Shang, Jose Iriarte-Diaz, Andrea Taylor, Russell Reid, Callum Ross, Olga Pangiotopoulou. Royal Society Open Science. 9: 220438 (2022)
[DOI]
Fracture fixation technique and chewing side impact jaw mechanics in mandible fracture repair
Mehari-Abraha, H, Iriarte-Diaz, J, Reid, RR, Ross, CF, Panagiotopoulou, O. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. (2021)
[DOI]
Biomechanical and morphological analysis of the Pierre Robin Sequence mandible: Finite element and morphometric study
Humphries, LS, Reid, RR, Ross, CF, Taylor, AB, Collins, JM, Freire, AR, Rossi, AC, Prado, FB. Anatomical Record. 2020: 1-14 (2020)
[DOI]
Review of in vivo bone strain studies and finite element models of the zygomatic complex in humans and non-human primates: Implications for clinical research and practice
Prado, FB, Freire, AR, Rossi, AC, Ledogar, JA, Smith, AL, Dechow, PC, Strait, DS, Voigt, T, Ross, CF. Anatomical Record. 299: 1753-1778 (2016)
[DOI]
Fossil hominids
In vivo and finite element modeling studies have long informed our understanding of fossil hominid cranial and mandibular evolution. Collaborations with Dr. David Strait have produced several important papers on fossil hominid cranial mechanics. We use data on bone material properties collected with Paul Dechow, data on muscle architecture collected by Andrea Taylor, and data on jaw kinematics and muscle activity collected with Jose (Pepe) Iriarte-Diaz and Olga Panagiotopoulou to build our models. In collaboration with Zeray Alemseged, Andrea Taylor, Chris Robinson, Amanda Smith and Carol Ward we are using geometric morphometric and finite element modeling techniques to study mandible design (form-function relationships) in living and fossil hominids (humans and apes). We are interested in what aspects of diet or feeding behavior are reflected in mandible morphology, and hence can be reconstructed in fossil hominids.
Related Publications
Mechanical compensation in the evolution of the early hominin feeding apparatus
Ledogar, J, Senck, S, Villmoare, B, Smith, A, Weber, G, Richmond, B, Dechow, P, Ross, CF, Grosse, I, Wright, B, Wang, Q, Byron, C, Benazzi, S, Carlson, K, Carlson, K, McIntosh, L, van Casteren, A, Strait, D. Proceedings of the Royal Society B. 337300:51:00 (2022)
[DOI]
Comparative biomechanics of the Pan and Macaca mandibles during mastication: Finite element modeling of loading, deformation and strain regimes
Smith, AL, Robinson, C, Taylor, AB, Panagiotopoulou, O, Davis, J, Ward, CV, Kimbel, WH, Alemseged, Z, Ross, CF. Royal Society Interface. 336844:51:00 (2021)
[DOI]
The biomechanics of bony facial “buttresses” in South African australopiths: an experimental study using finite element analysis
Ledogar JA, Benazzi, S, Smith AL, Weber GW, Grosse IR, Ross CF, Richmond BG, Wright BW, Byron C, Strait, DS, Wang, Q, Dechow, PC. Anatomical Record. 300:171–195 (2017)
[DOI]
Biomechanical implications of intraspecific shape variation in chimpanzee crania: moving towards an integration of geometric morphometrics and finite element analysis
Smith AL, Benazzi S, Ledogar JA, Tamvada K, Pryor Smith LC, Weber GW, Spencer MA, Dechow PC, Grosse IR, Ross CF and others. Anatomical Record. 298(1): 122-144 (2015)
[DOI]
Microwear, mechanics and the feeding adaptations of Australopithecus africanus
Strait, DS, Weber, GW, Constantino, P, Lucas, PW, Richmond, BG, Spencer, MA, Dechow, PC, Ross, CF, Grosse, IR, Wright, BW, Wood, BA, Wang, Q, Byron, CD, Slice, DE. Journal of Human Evolution. 62: 165-168 (2012)
In vivo bone strain and finite-element modeling of the craniofacial haft in catarrhine primates
Ross, CF, Berthaume, M, Iriarte-Diaz, J Dechow, PC, Porro, LB, Richmond, BG, Spencer, M and Strait, D. Journal of Anatomy. 218: 112-141 (2011)
The structural rigidity of the cranium of Australopithecus africanus: implications for diet, dietary adaptations and the allometry of feeding biomechanics
Strait, DS, Grosse, I, Dechow, PC, Smith, AL, Wang, Q, Weber, GW, Neubauer, S, Slice, DE, Chalk, J, Richmond, BG, Lucas, PW, Spencer, MA, Schrein, C, Wright, BW, Byron, CD, Ross, CF. Anatomical Record. 293: 582-593 (2010)
The feeding biomechanics and dietary ecology of Australopithecus africanus
Strait, DS, Weber, GW, Neubauer, S, Chalk, J, Richmond, BG, Lucas, PW, Spencer, MA, Schrein, C, Dechow, PC, Ross, CF, Grosse, IR, Wright, BW, Constantino, P, Wood, BA, Lawn, B, Hylander, WL, Wang, Q, Byron, CD, Slice, DE, Smith, AL. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 106(7): 2124-2129 (2009)
The XROMM workflow makes possible in vivo studies of tongue, hyoid and suspensorium kinematics during feeding in amniotes and fishes. Using the University of Chicago’s XROMM Facility and Research Computing Center, our students and postdocs are breaking new ground in our understanding of biomechanics and evolution of vertebrate feeding systems.
Projects
Hyolingual evolution
The anatomical diversity of hypoid and tongue morphology is poorly documented. Peishu Li is working in the Luo and Ross Labs on the evolution and function of the hyoid apparatus in mammals. His work includes morphometric studies of CT scan data sets, and measures of hyoid kinematics during chewing and swallowing in primates and other mammals. Kaleb Sellers is using DiceCT techniques to study the evolution of tongue morphology in mammals, starting with primates.
Related Publications
Vibroacoustic Response of the Tympanic Membrane to Hyoid-Borne Sound Generated during Echolocation in Bats
Chelsie C. G. Snipes, Richard T. Carter. Integrative and Comparative Biology. (2023)
[PDF]
[DOI]
Head posture impacts mammalian hyoid position and suprahyoid muscle length: implication for swallowing biomechanics
Peishu Li, Callum F. Ross, Zhe-Xi Luo, Nicholas J. Gidmark. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. 378: 20220552. (2023)
[PDF]
[DOI]
Morphological disparity and evolutionary transformations in the primate hyoid apparatus
Li, P, Ross, CF, Luo, Z. Journal of Human Evolution. 162, 103094 (2021)
[DOI]
Chewing and Swallowing
Tongue movements during chewing and swallowing have been difficult to study because the tongue is hidden in the mouth. We used XROMM data on 3D tongue movements during chewing and swallowing in macaques to test Abd-el-Malek’s hypotheses about tongue twisting during chewing in humans. We are developing computational models of tongue function and evaluating whether similar movements are also seen in other amniotes. Courtney Orsbon developed a workflow to integrate XROMM and DiceCT methods and used these methods to propose a new hydraulic mechanism of tongue base retraction in macaques during swallowing. We are using this workflow in other studies and testing the applicability of this model to other mammals.
Related Publications
The Kinematics of Proal Chewing in Rats
E.D. McParland, J.K. Mitchell, J.D. Laurence-Chasen, L.C. Aspinwall, O. Afolabi, K. Takahashi, C.F. Ross and N.J. Gidmark. Integrative Organismal Biology. Volume 6, Issue 1, 2024, obae023 (2024)
[DOI]
A new biomechanical model of the mammal jaw based on load path analysis
Alec T. Wilken, Julia A. Schultz, Zhe-Xi Luo, Callum F. Ross. Journal of Experimental Morphology. jeb-247030 (2024)
[PDF]
[DOI]
Head posture impacts mammalian hyoid position and suprahyoid muscle length: implication for swallowing biomechanics
Peishu Li, Callum F. Ross, Zhe-Xi Luo, Nicholas J. Gidmark. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. 378: 20220552. (2023)
[PDF]
[DOI]
Gape drives regional variation in temporalis architectural dynamics in tufted capuchins
Myra F. Laird, Jose Iriarte-Diaz, Craig D. Byron, Michael C. Granatosky, Andrea B. Taylor and Callum F. Ross. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. 378: 20220550. (2023)
[PDF]
[DOI]
Dynamic finite element modelling of the macaque mandible during a complete mastication gape cycle
Olga Panagiotopoulou, Dale Robinson, Jose Iriarte-Diaz, David Ackland, Andrea B. Taylor and Callum F. Ross. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. 378: 20220549. (2023)
[PDF]
[DOI]
Rhythmic chew cycles with distinct fast and slow phases are ancestral to gnathostomes
Brian A. Richard, Meghan Spence, Mateo Rull-Garza, Yonas Tolosa Roba, Daniel Schwarz, Jason B. Ramsay, J. D. Laurence-Chasen, Callum F. Ross, Nicolai Konow. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. 378: 20220539. (2023)
[PDF]
[DOI]
Introduction: food processing and nutritional assimilation in animals
Myra F. Laird, Callum F. Ross, Victor Kang, Nicolai Konow. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B. 378: 20220559 (2023)
[DOI]
Multiple regions of sensorimotor cortex encode bite force and gape
Arce-McShane, F; Sessle, BJ, Ram Y; Ross CF; Hatsopoulos NG. Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience. (2023)
[PDF]
[DOI]
Biomechanical and Cortical Control of Tongue Movements During Chewing and Swallowing
Callum F Ross, JD Laurence-Chasen, Peishu LI, Courtney Orsbon, Nicho Hatsopoulos. Dysphagia. (2023)
[PDF]
[DOI]
Robust cortical encoding of 3D tongue shape during feeding in macaques
JD Laurence-Chasen, Callum F Ross, Fritzie Arce-McShane, Nicho Hatsopoulos. Nature Communications. Nature Communications | ( 2023) 14:2991 (2023)
[PDF]
[DOI]
Loss of tactile feedback impairs feeding performance and consistency of tongue-jaw coordination
Laurence-Chasen, JD, Arce-McShane, FI, Hatsopoulos, NG, Ross, CF. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. (2022)
[DOI]
Twist and chew: three dimensional tongue kinematics during chewing in macaque primates
Feilich, K, Laurence-Chasen, JD, Orsbon, C, Gidmark, NJ, Ross, CF. Biology Letters. 17:20210431.20210431 (2021)
[DOI]
XROMM and diceCT reveal a hydraulic mechanism of tongue base retraction in swallowing
Orsbon, CP, Gidmark, NJ, Gao, T, Ross, CF. Scientific Reports. 2020 May 19 (2020)
[DOI]
Dynamic musculoskeletal functional morphology: Integrating diceCT and XROMM
Orsbon, CP, Gidmark, NJ, Ross, CF. Anatomical Record. 301(2):378-406 (2018)
[DOI]
Suction feeding
In collaboration with the Westneat Lab, Katie Whitlow studied suction feeding kinematics in Polypterus and Amia, and Samantha Gartner studied suction feeding in lungfish, improving our understanding of suction feeding in basal fishes.
Related Publications
Ceratohyal motion drives mandibular depression and oral cavity volume change in Polypterus bichir suction feeding
Whitlow, KR, Ross, CF, Gidmark, NJ, Laurence-Chasen, JD, Westneat, MW. Journal of Experimental Biology. 225(3): jeb243283 (2022)
[DOI]
The Ross lab is working with Drs. Nicho Hatsopoulos, and Barry Sessle to study the role of orofacial sensorimotor cortex in control of orofacial function, including biting, chewing, and swallowing. We quantify the relationships between activity in populations of neurons in cortex and kinematics, kinetics and muscle activity.
Projects
Neural control of orofacial function
The Hatsopoulous and Ross Labs at the University of Chicago, pioneered the simultaneous recording of 3D jaw and tongue kinematics using XROMM and activity in populations of neurons in the orofacial sensorimotor cortex using multi-electrode arrays. These data are providing new insights into cortical control of orofacial function, including bite force, gape, and jaw and tongue movements. We are currently comparing grasping and biting behaviors to determine whether the same cortical control mechanisms are used in the two systems.
Related Publications
Gape drives regional variation in temporalis architectural dynamics in tufted capuchins
Myra F. Laird, Jose Iriarte-Diaz, Craig D. Byron, Michael C. Granatosky, Andrea B. Taylor and Callum F. Ross. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. 378: 20220550. (2023)
[PDF]
[DOI]
Multiple regions of sensorimotor cortex encode bite force and gape
Arce-McShane, F; Sessle, BJ, Ram Y; Ross CF; Hatsopoulos NG. Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience. (2023)
[PDF]
[DOI]
Biomechanical and Cortical Control of Tongue Movements During Chewing and Swallowing
Callum F Ross, JD Laurence-Chasen, Peishu LI, Courtney Orsbon, Nicho Hatsopoulos. Dysphagia. (2023)
[PDF]
[DOI]
Robust cortical encoding of 3D tongue shape during feeding in macaques
JD Laurence-Chasen, Callum F Ross, Fritzie Arce-McShane, Nicho Hatsopoulos. Nature Communications. Nature Communications | ( 2023) 14:2991 (2023)
[PDF]
[DOI]
Loss of tactile feedback impairs feeding performance and consistency of tongue-jaw coordination
Laurence-Chasen, JD, Arce-McShane, FI, Hatsopoulos, NG, Ross, CF. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. (2022)
[DOI]
Dynamics of motor cortical activity during naturalistic feeding behavior
Liu, S, Iriarte-Diaz, J, Hatsopoulos, NG, Ross, CF, Takahashi, K, Chen, Z. Journal of Neural Engineering.. 16(2): 026038 (2019)
[DOI]
Primary sensorimotor cortex exhibits complex dependencies of spike-field coherence on neuronal firing rates, field power, and behavior
Arce-McShane, FI, Sessle, BJ, Ross, CF, Hatsopoulos, NG. Journal of Neurophysiology. 2018 Jul 1;120(1):226-238 (2018)
[DOI]
Primary motor and sensory cortical areas communicate via spatiotemporally coordinated networks at multiple frequencies
Arce-McShane, FI, Takahashi, K, Ross, CF, Sessle, BJ, Hatsopoulos, NG. Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences. 113 (18): 5083-5088 (2016)
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Recurrence network analysis of multiple local field potential bands from the orofacial portion of primary motor cortex
Subramaniyam, NP, Hyttinen, J, Hatsopoulos, NG, Ross, CF, Takahashi, K. Conference Proceedings of the IEEE, Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. 2015: 5343-5346 (2015)
[DOI]
Modulation dynamics in the orofacial sensorimotor cortex during motor skill acquisition
Arce, FI, Hatsopoulos, NG, Lee, J-C, Ross, CF, Sessle, BJ. Journal of Neuroscience. 34(17): 5985-97 (2014)
Directional information from neuronal ensembles in the primate orofacial sensorimotor cortex
Arce, FI, Lee, J-C, Ross, CF, Sessle, BJ, Hatsopoulos, N. Journal of Neurophysiology. 110: 1357-1369 (2013)
Granger causality analysis of state dependent functional connectivity of neurons in orofacial motor cortex during chewing and swallowing
Takahashi, K, Pesce L, Best M, Iriarte-Diaz J, Kim S, Coleman TP, Hatsopoulos NG, and Ross, CF. Proceedings of 6th International Conference on Soft Computing and Intelligent Systems, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan. Nov., 2012: 1067-1071 (2012)
Evolution of rhythmic behaviors
Cyclic vertebrate behaviors vary in their degree of rhythmicity–the degree if variation in cycle duration. The distribution of variation in rhythmicity provides insight into the evolution of neuromechanical systems. Starting with work with Anthony Herrel comparing chewing rhythmicity in mammals and lizards, we have worked with Nicolai Konow on chewing rhythmicity in fishes, and with Michael Granatosky on locomotor rhythmicity in mammals and birds, and on the role of dynamic instability in triggering gait transitions in tetrapods. There is good evidence that rhythmicity varies across clades of vertebrates, that it may be related to the evolution of proprioceptors.
Related Publications
Rhythmic chew cycles with distinct fast and slow phases are ancestral to gnathostomes
Brian A. Richard, Meghan Spence, Mateo Rull-Garza, Yonas Tolosa Roba, Daniel Schwarz, Jason B. Ramsay, J. D. Laurence-Chasen, Callum F. Ross, Nicolai Konow. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. 378: 20220539. (2023)
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[DOI]
Got rhythm? Rhythmicity differences reflect different optimality criteria in feeding and locomotor systems
Faltings, L, Young, M, Ross, CF, Granatosky, MG. Evolution. (in press) (2022)
Variation in limb loading magnitude and timing in tetrapods
Granatosky, MC, McElroy, E, Lemelin, P, Reilly, SM, Nyakatura, JA, Andrada, E, Kilbourne, BM, Allen, VR, Butcher, MT, Blob, RW, Ross, CF. Journal of Experimental Biology. 2020 223 (2020)
[DOI]
Inter-stride variability triggers gait transitions in mammals and birds
Granatosky, MC, Bryce, CM, Hanna, J, Fitzsimons, A, Laird, MF, Stilson, K, Wall, CE and Ross, CF. Proceedings of the Royal Society.. 285 (2018)
[DOI]
Evolution of locomotor rhythmicity in tetrapods
Ross, CF, Blob, RW, Carrier, D, Daley, MA, Deban, S, Demes, B, Gripper, J, Kilbourne, B, Iriarte-Diaz, J, Landberg, T, Polk, JD, Schilling, N, Vanhooydonck, B. Evolution. 67(4): 1209-1217 (2012)
[DOI]
Rhythmicity in teleost chewing: A comparison with amniotes
Gintof, C, Konow, N, Ross, CF, Sanford, CPJ. Journal of Experimental Biology. 213: 1868-1875. (2010)
Chewing variation in lepidosaurs and primates
Ross, CF, Baden, AL, Georgi, JA, Herrel, A, Metzger, KA, Reed, DA, Schaerlaeken, V, Wolff, MS. Journal of Experimental Biology. 213: 572-584 (2010)
Feeding versus locomotion
Many evolutionary studies use comparisons within feeding or locomotor systems to test hypotheses about the evolution of neuromechanical systems. In collaboration with Michael Granatosky, we have been comparing the biomechanics of feeding and locomotor systems to investigate form-function relationships in musculoskeletal systems. We have shown that joint angular excursions during cyclic behaviors – chewing, walking and running – differ between feeding and locomotor systems, reflecting variation in the functional optimality criteria governing the evolution of the systems. This pattern in jaw- and limb-joint excursions may be related to variation to the evolution of disparity during tetrapod evolution.
Related Publications
Got rhythm? Rhythmicity differences reflect different optimality criteria in feeding and locomotor systems
Faltings, L, Young, M, Ross, CF, Granatosky, MG. Evolution. (in press) (2022)
Differences in muscle moment arms lengths, mechanical advantages, and force vector orientations underlie differing optimality criteria between primate feeding and locomotor systems
Granatosky, MC, Ross, CF. Journal of Anatomy. (2020)
[DOI]
Joint angular excursions during cyclical behaviors differ between tetrapod feeding and locomotor systems
Granatosky, MC, McElroy, E, Laird, MF, Iriarte-Diaz, J, Taylor, AB and Ross, CF. Journal of Experimental Biology. (2019)
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