FUNCTIONAL MATRIX HYPOTHESIS

Introduction:
 Melvin Moss introduced the functional matrix hypothesis to the
orthodontic world in 1962.
 It was developed complimentary to the original concept of “Functional
Cranial Component” by Van der Klaauw
 According to Melvin Moss’ theory, bone growth within the craniofacial
skeleton is influenced primarily by function.
 Functional matrix hypothesis is defined as the origin, form, position,
growth and maintenance of all skeletal tissues and organs is always
secondary, compensatory and mechanically obligatory necessary
response to chronologically and morphologically prior events or process
that occur in specifically related non-skeletal tissues, organs or
functioning spaces
 He stated that “ BONE DO NOT GROW; BONE ARE GROWN”

FUNCTIONAL CRANIAL COMPONENTS

 Functional cranial component is all tissues, organ spaces and skeletal

parts necessary to carry out a given single function.
 FUNCTIONAL
CRANIAL
COMPONENT

FUNCTIONAL
SKELETAL UNIT
MATRIX

MICROSKELETAL MACROSKELETAL PERIOSTEAL CAPSULAR

MATRIX MATRIX

THE SKELETAL UNIT

 All the skeletal tissue associated with a single function is called the
“skeletal unit”
 The skeletal unit may be comprised of bone, suture, cartilage,
synchondrosis and tendinous tissue, etc
 Microskeletal unit - The skeletal unit is made up of several small
contiguous skeletal units
 Macroskeletal unit - When adjoining portions of a number of
microskeletal units in tandem to carry out a single cranial component.
 Eg: Cranial Vault
 FUNCTIONAL MATRIX

 The functional matrix refers to all soft tissue and spaces that perform a
given function.
 Eg: muscles, glands, nerves, vessels, fat, teeth and the functioning spaces
 There are two types: Periosteal matrix and Capsular matrix

PERIOSTEAL MATRIX

 Periosteal matrices include the muscles, blood vessels, nerves, glands,

teeth, etc
 These matrices act directly and actively on adjacent skeletal units
 With the direct action, the skeletal tissue undergoes transformatory
changes by deposition and resorption process.

CAPSULAR MATRIX

 The capsular is defined as the functional matrix that encloses functioning

cavities/spaces/organs.
 Eg: Neurocranial and orofacial capsules
 The capsular matrix acts indirectly and passively in total and all these
microskeletal units (on macroskeletal) producing a secondary translation
of a whole macroskeleton in space.
 Capsular matrices does not act by the processes of resorption and
deposition