Question

discuss the development of TMJ, its unique features in terms of structure and function and its clinical significance

Answer 1

The TMJ is the joint between condylar head of the mandible and the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone.

The main components are the joint capsule, articular disc, mandibular condyles, articular surface of the temporal bone, temporomandibular ligament, stylomandibular ligament, sphenomandibular ligament, and lateral pterygoid muscle.

This system is made up of theTMJ, teeth and soft tissue.

Movements at this joint are produced by the  muscles of mastication, and the hyoid muscles.

The two divisions of the temporomandibular joint have different functions.

The upper part of the joint allows protrusion and retraction of the mandible – the anterior and posterior movements of the jaw.

It plays a major role in breathing, eating and speech.

Dysfunction of the TMJ can cause severe pain and lifestyle limitation.

The unique feature of the temporo mandibular joint is the articular disc.

The disc is composed of dense fibrocartilagenous tissue that is positioned between the head of the mandibular condyle and the mandibula fossa of the temporal bone.

Clinical significance is depends on the normal purpose and function of this joint as related to mouth-opening, the role of disarticulation of the teeth in occlusal function, and, most of all, growth or morphologic determinants of the face and jaws.