An anatomical, histochemical, and autoradiographic study of the ever-growing molar dentition of Microtus with comments on the role of structure in growth and eruption.

An analysis of the microanatomy of the molar dentition of Microtus utilizing histological, histochemical and autoradiographic techniques reveals a complex architecture with distinctive morphogenic mechanisms which respond to the functional requirements of the organism. These mechanisms include; the maintenance of continued growth and eruption of the molars to compensate for continued hard tissue loss from wear at the occlusal surface of the crown throughout the entire lifespan of the orgainism and a positive feedback repair mechanism to protect the growth systems from the potential destruction this normal occlusal wear could initiate. An awareness and understanding of these phenomena is of significant value for interpreting palentological specimens and formulating a theoretical model for interpreting the evolution of Microtine molar dentitions.