[The tongue as a factor in craniofacial growth. 3. The influence of the height and angle of the lower jaw].

In the miniature pig MINI-LEWE partial glossectomy had no significant effects on vertical growth of the lower jaw, growth of the upper jaw or overall skull growth. No relationship was found between age at glossectomy or post-surgical interval and the size of the gonion angle. The tongue, peri-oral muscles and the muscles of the floor of the mouth are in a state of functional equilibrium which changes in the course of development, the influence of either the tongue or the peri-oral muscles increasing as a result. Partial disruption of this state of equilibrium leads to dysgnathia.