What is TMJ?

 

The temporomandibular joint, abbreviated TMJ, is the most evolved and complex joint of the body, with double mobility, which receives the occlusal pressures, indirectly but continuously. It contributes to the functions of the stomatognathic system: mastication, phonation, occlusion. The temporomandibular joint is a double joint, of the condylar type, with upper and lower compartments (supradiscal and infradiscal), which consists of

·     -  cranial elements (mandibular fossa with the articular tubercle);

·      - mandibular elements (mandibular condyle);

·      - common elements (joint disc, joint capsule and ligaments).

 

Cranial elements

The cranial component of the temporomandibular joint is represented by the glenoid cavity (also called the mandibular fossa) and the articular tubercle.

Mandibular elements

This component is represented by the anterior face of the mandibular condyle, joined to the ascending branch of the mandible by a narrower portion called the mandibular neck. The mandibular condyle represents the upper extremity of the posterior process of the mandibular branch.

The articular meniscus

The space between the bony articular surfaces of the temporo-mandibular joint is occupied by the articular disc, a biconcave-shaped fibro-cartilaginous formation, which adapts to the incongruity between the articular surfaces: cranial and condylar.

Joints of the articulation ends

They are represented by: the joint capsule and the ligaments of the joint. The joint capsule is a membrane of connective nature, made of white collagen ; inside, it has a synovial membrane and adheres to the joint disc, thus contributing to the delimitation of the two joint compartments.

Articular ligaments

In general, these structures have the role of tying some components to the joint and limit their movements.  Get answers and help from https://www.oralsurgery-hicd.com/.