Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
SpringerLink
Log in

Detailed Anatomy of the Temporomandibular Joint

  • Chapter
Contemporary Management of Temporomandibular Disorders

Abstract

The temporomandibular joint is one of the most complex structures in the human body. Understanding the form is a prerequisite to understanding the function. This chapter is devoted to presenting the details of TMJ anatomy.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 119.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 159.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Stamm T, Hohoff A, Van Meegen A, Meyer U. On the three dimensional physiological position of the temporomandibular joint. J Orofac Orthop. 2004;65:280–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Koolstra JH. Dynamics of the human masticatory system. Crit Rev Oral Biol Med. 2002;13:366–76.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Terhune CE. How effective are geometric morphometric techniques for assessing functional shape variation? An example from the great ape temporomandibular joint. Anat Rec. 2013;296(8):1264–82.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Carranza ML, Carda C, Simbron A, Quevedo MC, Celaya G, de Ferraris ME. Morphology of the lateral pterygoid muscle associated to the mandibular condyle in the human prenatal stage. Acta Odontol Latinoam. 2006;19:29–36.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Meng F, Liu Y, Hu K, Zhao Y, Kong L, Zhou S. A comparative study of the skeletal morphology of the temporo-mandibular joint of children and adults. J Postgrad Med. 2008;54:191–4.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Caruso S, Storti E, Nota A, Ehsani S, Gatto R. Temporomandibular joint anatomy assessed by CBCT images. Biomed Res Int. 2017;2017:2916953.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  7. Ikeda R, Oberoi S, Wiley DF, Woodhouse C, Tallman M, Tun WW, McNeill C, Miller AJ, Hatcher D. Novel 3-dimensional analysis to evaluate temporomandibular joint space and shape. Am J Orthod Dentofac Orthop. 2016;149(3):416–28.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Torres MG, Crusoé-Rebello IM, Rosário M, Albuquerque MC, Campos PS. Morphometric features of the mandibular condyle and association with disk abnormalities. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2016;121(5):566–72.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Mao JJ, Nah HD. Growth and development: hereditary and mechanical modulations. Am J Orthod Dentofac Orthop. 2004;125:676–89.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Paulsen HU, Thomsen JS, Hougen HP, Mosekilde L. A histomorphometric and scanning electron microscopy study of human condylar cartilage and bone tissue changes in relation to age. Clin Orthod Res. 1999;2:67–78.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Ahuja AT, Yuen HY, Wong KT, Yue V, van Hasselt AC. Computed tomography imaging of the temporal bone-normal anatomy. Clin Radiol. 2003;58:681–6.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Ejima K, Schulze D, Stippig A, Matsumoto K, Rottke D, Honda K. Relationship between the thickness of the roof of glenoid fossa, condyle morphology and remaining teeth in asymptomatic European patients based on cone beam CT data sets. Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2013;42(3):90929410.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  13. Al-Koshab M, Nambiar P, John J. Assessment of condyle and glenoid fossa morphology using CBCT in South-East Asians. PLoS One. 2015;10(3):e0121682.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  14. Zeitoun V. High occurrence of a basicranial feature in Homo erectus: anatomical description of the preglenoid tubercle. Anat Rec B New Anat. 2003;274:148–56.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Baqaien MA, Al-Salti FM, Muessig D. Changes in condylar path inclination during maximum protrusion between the ages of 6 and 12 years. J Oral Rehabil. 2007;34:27–33.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Katsavrias EG. Changes in articular eminence inclination during the craniofacial growth period. Angle Orthod. 2002;72:258–64.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Csadò K, Martòn K, Kivovics P. Anatomical changes in the structure of the temporomandibular joint caused by complete edentulousness. Gerodontology. 2012;29:111–6.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Katsavrias EG, Dibbets JMH. The postglenoid tubercle: prevalence and growth. Ann Anat. 2002;184(2):185–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Reicheneder C, Gedrange T, Baumert U, Faltermeier A, Proff P. Variations in the inclination of the condylar path in children and adults. Angle Orthod. 2009;79:958–63.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Raustia AM, Pirttiniemi P, Salonen MA, Pyhtinen J. Effect of edentulousness on mandibular size and condyle-fossa position. J Oral Rehabil. 1998;25:174–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Sa SC, Melo SL, Melo DP, Freitas DQ, Campos PS. Relationship between articular eminence inclination and alterations of the mandibular condyle: a CBCT study. Braz Oral Res. 2017;31:e25.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Herring SW, Decker JD, Liu ZJ, Ma T. Temporomandibular joint in miniature pigs: anatomy, cell replication, and relation to loading. Anat Rec. 2002;266:152–66.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Sato S, Kawamura H, Motegi K, Takahashi K. Morphology of the mandibular fossa and the articular eminence in temporomandibular joints with anterior disk displacement. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 1996;25:236–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Iwasaki LR, Crosby MJ, Marx DB, Gonzalez Y, McCall WD Jr, Ohrbach R, et al. Human temporomandibular joint eminence shape and load minimization. J Dent Res. 2010;89:722–7.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  25. Tuijt M, Koolstra JH, Lobbezoo F, Naeije M. Differences in loading of the temporomandibular joint during opening and closing of the jaw. J Biomech. 2010;43:1048–54.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Curtis N. Craniofacial biomechanics: an overview of recent multibody modelling studies. J Anat. 2011;218(1):16–25.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Mapelli A, Galante D, Lovecchio N, Sforza C, Ferrario VF. Translation and rotation movements of the mandible during mouth opening and closing. Clin Anat. 2009;22:311–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Seemann R, Czerny C, Schicho K, Undt G, Piehslinger E, Ewers R, et al. Pseudodynamic MRI differs from natural opening of the temporomandibular joint. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2008;105:371–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Sforza C, Tartaglia GM, Lovecchio N, Ugolini A, Monteverdi R, Giannì AB, et al. Mandibular movements at maximum mouth opening and EMG activity of masticatory and neck muscles in patients rehabilitated after a mandibular condyle fracture. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2009;37:327–33.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Gonzalez B. The not-so-controversial issue of condylar position. Int J Orthod Milwaukee. 2007;18:17–26.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Pullinger A. Establishing better biological models to understand occlusion. I: TM joint anatomic relationships. J Oral Rehabil. 2013;40(4):296–318.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Cheynet F, Guyot L, Richard O, Layoun W, Gola R. Discomallear and malleomandibular ligaments: anatomical study and clinical applications. Surg Radiol Anat. 2003;25:152–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Mérida-Velasco JR, Rodríguez JF, de la Cuadra C, Peces MD, Mérida JA, Sánchez I. The posterior segment of the temporomandibular joint capsule and its anatomic relationship. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2007;65:30–3.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Kubein-Meesenburg D, Nägerl H, Fialka-Fricke J, Hahn W, Weber S, Hönig J, Hansen C, Fanghänel J, Thieme KM, Ihlow D. Functional states of mandibular movements and synovial pumps of the temporomandibular joint. Is it possible to provide a biomechanically correct replacement for the TMJ? Ann Anat. 2012;194(2):200–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Israel HA, Langevin CJ, Singer MD, Behrman DA. The relationship between temporomandibular joint synovitis and adhesions: pathogenic mechanisms and clinical implications for surgical management. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2006;64:1066–74.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Ioi H, Kido MA, Zhang JQ, Yamaza T, Nakata S, Nakasima A, Tanaka T. Capsaicin receptor expression in the rat temporomandibular joint. Cell Tissue Res. 2006;325:47–54.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Fanghänel J, Gedrange T. On the development, morphology and function of the temporomandibular joint in the light of the orofacial system. Ann Anat. 2007;189(4):314–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Rinchuse DJ, Kandasamy S. Centric relation: a historical and contemporary orthodontic perspective. J Am Dent Assoc. 2006;137:494–501.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Sencimen M, Yalçin B, Doğan N, Varol A, Okçu KM, Ozan H, et al. Anatomical and functional aspects of ligaments between the malleus and the temporomandibular joint. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2008;37(10):943–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Koolstra JH, Tanaka E. Tensile stress patterns predicted in the articular disc of the human temporomandibular joint. J Anat. 2009;215:411–6.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  41. Morales H, Cornelius R. Imaging approach to temporomandibular joint disorders. Clin Neuroradiol. 2016;26:5–22.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Siéssere S, Vitti M, Semprini M, Regalo SC, Iyomasa MM, Dias FJ, et al. Macroscopic and microscopic aspects of the temporomandibular joint related to its clinical implication. Micron. 2008;39:852–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Rao VM, Bacelar MT. MR imaging of the temporomandibular joint. Neuroimaging Clin N Am. 2004;14:761–75.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Haiter-Neto F, Hollender L, Barclay P, Maravilla KR. Disk position and the bilaminar zone of the temporomandibular joint in asymptomatic young individuals by magnetic resonance imaging. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2002;94:372–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Kempers KG, Quinn PD, Silvestein K. Surgical approach to mandibular condylar fractures: a review. J Craniomaxillofac Trauma. 1999;5:25–30.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Babakurban ST, Cakmak O, Kendir S, Elhan A, Quatela VC. Temporal branch of the facial nerve and its relationship to fascial layers. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2010;1:16–23.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Universita degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy

    C. Dellavia

  2. Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy

    L. F. Rodella

  3. Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA, USA

    R. Pellecchia & G. Barzani

Authors
  1. C. Dellavia
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. L. F. Rodella
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. R. Pellecchia
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. G. Barzani
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to C. Dellavia .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, San Francisco VA Health Care System, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA

    S. Thaddeus Connelly  & Rebeka G. Silva  & 

  2. Private Practice, Dental Implant and Oral Surgery of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA

    S. Thaddeus Connelly  & Rebeka G. Silva  & 

  3. Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Functional Anatomy Research Center (FARC), Universita degli Studi di Milano, Functional Anatomy Research Center, Milano, Italy

    Gianluca Martino Tartaglia

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2019 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Dellavia, C., Rodella, L.F., Pellecchia, R., Barzani, G. (2019). Detailed Anatomy of the Temporomandibular Joint. In: Connelly, S.T., Tartaglia, G.M., Silva, R.G. (eds) Contemporary Management of Temporomandibular Disorders. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-99915-9_4

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-99915-9_4

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-99914-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-99915-9

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation