RESUMO
A preliminary study of seven randomly selected subjects was initiated to assay if any changes occur in body posture and in the dimensions of the external acoustic meatus when the relationship of the mandible to the maxilla is changed. The anatomic configurations presented by body posture and the external acoustic meatus, when the mandible was in a position of intercuspation, were used as points of reference. The dimensions of body posture and the external acoustic meatus were recorded for all subjects, when their respective mandibles were in intercuspation, protrusive, retrusive, as well as a position produced by orthopedic splints. Although, the position of intercuspation was used as a point of reference, comparisons of results obtained by all positions used, were made. Changes in the dimensions of body posture and the dimensions of the external auditory meatus were noted with every one of the prescribed alterations of mandibular posture.
