Skip to main content

Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Temporomandibular Joint

  • Chapter
Contemporary Management of Temporomandibular Disorders

Abstract

Evolving from pure anatomy, this chapter focuses on TMJ motor function and dysfunction. Functional anatomy and its morphological structures are the limits where the mandibular movements and its central and peripheral neurological inputs can govern TMJ motion.

  • The masticatory system as a functional unit

  • Definition of mandibular positions and limitations of its analysis

  • Descriptions of mandibular dynamics in function and dysfunction

  • TMJ static and dynamic loading

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

Access this chapter

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

Notes

  1. 1.

    “Anterior disc displacement with reduction,” the disc is totally or partially displaced ventrally when the mouth is closed and the condyle is situated cranially to the disc at mouth opening.

References

  1. Morquette P, Lavoie R, Fhima M-D, Lamoureux X, Verdier D, Kolta A. Generation of the masticatory central pattern and its modulation by sensory feedback. Prog Neurobiol. 2012;96:340–55.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Harris-Warrick RM. General principles of rhythmogenesis in central pattern generator networks. Prog Brain Res. 2010;187:213–22.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Daun S, Rubin JE, Rybak IA. Control of oscillation periods and phase durations in half-center central pattern generators: a comparative mechanistic analysis. J Comput Neurosci. 2009;27:3–36.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Barlow SM, Estep M. Central pattern generation and the motor infrastructure for suck, respiration, and speech. J Commun Disord. 2006;39:366–80.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Lund JP, Kolta A. Generation of the central masticatory pattern and its modification by sensory feedback. Dysphagia. 2006;21:167–74.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Türker KS. Reflex control of human jaw muscles. Crit Rev Oral Biol Med. 2002;13:85–104.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Iwasaki LR, Gonzalez YM, Liu Y, et al. Mechanobehavioral scores in women with and without TMJ disc displacement. J Dent Res. 2017;96:895–901.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. The glossary of prosthodontic terms: ninth edition. J Prosthet Dent. 2017;117:e1–105.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Michelotti A, Farella M, Vollaro S, Martina R. Mandibular rest position and electrical activity of the masticatory muscles. J Prosthet Dent. 1997;78:48–53.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Posselt U. Range of movement of the mandible. J Am Dent Assoc. 1958;56:10–3.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Salaorni C, Palla S. Condylar rotation and anterior translation in healthy human temporomandibular joints. Schweizer Monatsschrift fur Zahnmedizin = Revue mensuelle suisse d’odonto-stomatologie = Rivista mensile svizzera di odontologia e Stomatologia. 1994;104:415–22.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Ferrario VF, Sforza C, Lovecchio N, Mian F. Quantification of translational and gliding components in human temporomandibular joint during mouth opening. Arch Oral Biol. 2005;50:507–15.

    Google Scholar 

  13. 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.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Gallagher C, Gallagher V, Whelton H, Cronin M. The normal range of mouth opening in an Irish population. J Oral Rehabil. 2004;31:110–6.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Wilkinson TM, Crowley CM. A histologic study of retrodiscal tissues of the human temporomandibular joint in the open and closed position. J Orofac Pain. 1994;8:7–17.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Bowley JF, Pierce CJ. Reliability and validity of a transverse horizontal axis location instrument. J Prosthet Dent. 1990;64:646–50.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Hayashi T, Itoh K, Miyakawa M. Determination of the kinematic axis point of the temporomandibular joint regardless of cyclic mandibular movement data. Front Med Biol Eng. 1994;6:199–208.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Ferrario VF, Sforza C, Miani A, Serrao G, Tartaglia G. Open-close movements in the human temporomandibular joint: does a pure rotation around the intercondylar hinge axis exist? J Oral Rehabil. 1996;23:401–8.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Gallo LM, Gössi DB, Colombo V, Palla S. Relationship between kinematic center and TMJ anatomy and function. J Dent Res. 2008;87:726–30.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Gallo LM, Airoldi GB, Airoldi RL, Palla S. Description of mandibular finite helical axis pathways in asymptomatic subjects. J Dent Res. 1997;76:704–13.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Gallo LM, Brasi M, Ernst B, Palla S. Relevance of mandibular helical axis analysis in functional and dysfunctional TMJs. J Biomech. 2006;39:1716–25.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Leiggener CS, Erni S, Gallo LM. Novel approach to the study of jaw kinematics in an alloplastic TMJ reconstruction. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2012;41:1041–5.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Palla S, Gallo LM, Gössi D. Dynamic stereometry of the temporomandibular joint. Orthod Craniofac Res. 2003;6(Suppl 1):37–47.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Holste T. Untersuchungen über den Bennett-Winkel. Deutsche zahnarztliche Zeitschrift. 1980;35:315–7.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Fanucci E, Spera E, Ottria L, et al. Bennett movement of mandible: a comparison between traditional methods and a 64-slices CT scanner. Oral Implantol. 2008;1:15–20.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Klineberg I. Influences of temporomandibular articular mechanoreceptors in functional jaw movements. J Oral Rehabil. 1980;7:307–17.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Ayesh EE, Ernberg M, Svensson P. Effects of local anesthetics on somatosensory function in the temporomandibular joint area. Exp Brain Res. 2007;180:715–25.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Macefield VG. Physiological characteristics of low-threshold mechanoreceptors in joints, muscle and skin in human subjects. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2005;32:135–44.

    Google Scholar 

  29. Kawamura Y, Abe K. Role of sensory information from temporomandibular joint. Bull Tokyo Med Dent Univ. 1974;21(Suppl):78–82.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Suzuki O, Tsuboi A, Tabata T, Takafuji Y, Sakurai T, Watanabe M. Response properties of temporomandibular joint mechanosensitive neurons in the trigeminal sensory complex of the rabbit. Exp Brain Res. 2012;222:113–23.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Tsuboi A, Takafuji Y, Itoh S, Nagata K, Tabata T, Watanabe M. Response properties of trigeminal ganglion mechanosensitive neurons innervating the temporomandibular joint of the rabbit. Exp Brain Res. 2009;199:107–16.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Olsson KA, Sasamoto K, Lund JP. Modulation of transmission in rostral trigeminal sensory nuclei during chewing. J Neurophysiol. 1986;55:56–75.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Proschel P. An extensive classification of chewing patterns in the frontal plane. Cranio. 1987;5:55–63.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Pröschel P. Zum Einfluss der Okklusalflächenform auf den Bewegungsablauf des Unterkiefers bei der Kaufunktion. Deutsche zahnarztliche Zeitschrift. 1988;43:1099–103.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Proschel P, Hofmann M, Ott R. Zur Orthofunktion des Kauorgans. Deutsche zahnarztliche Zeitschrift. 1985;40:186–91.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Pröschel P, Hofmann M. Zur Problematik der Interpretation von funktionellen Unterkieferbewegungen. Teil I: Die Auswirkungen multifaktorieller Einflüsse auf die Interpretierbarkeit von Kaubewegungsaufzeichnungen. Deutsche zahnarztliche Zeitschrift. 1987;42:696–700.

    Google Scholar 

  37. Pröschel P, Hofmann M. Frontal chewing patterns of the incisor point and their dependence on resistance of food and type of occlusion. J Prosthet Dent. 1988;59:617–24.

    Google Scholar 

  38. Ottenhoff FA, van der Bilt A, van der Glas HW, Bosman F. Control of elevator muscle activity during simulated chewing with varying food resistance in humans. J Neurophysiol. 1992;68:933–44.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Ottenhoff FA, van der Bilt A, van der Glas HW, Bosman F. Control of human jaw elevator muscle activity during simulated chewing with varying bolus size. Exp Brain Res. 1993;96:501–12.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Johansson RS, Trulsson M, Olsson KA, Abbs JH. Mechanoreceptive afferent activity in the infraorbital nerve in man during speech and chewing movements. Exp Brain Res. 1988;72:209–14.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Johansson RS, Trulsson M, Olsson KA, Westberg KG. Mechanoreceptor activity from the human face and oral mucosa. Exp Brain Res. 1988;72:204–8.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Trulsson M. Sensory-motor function of human periodontal mechanoreceptors. J Oral Rehabil. 2006;33:262–73.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Piancino MG, Isola G, Cannavale R, et al. From periodontal mechanoreceptors to chewing motor control: a systematic review. Arch Oral Biol. 2017;78:109–21.

    Google Scholar 

  44. Raphael KG, Janal MN, Sirois DA, et al. Validity of self-reported sleep bruxism among myofascial temporomandibular disorder patients and controls. J Oral Rehabil. 2015;42:751–8.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. International classification of sleep disorders. 3rd ed. Darien, IL: American Academy of Sleep Medicine; 2014.

    Google Scholar 

  46. Gonzalez Y, Iwasaki LR, McCall WD, Ohrbach R, Lozier E, Nickel JC. Reliability of electromyographic activity vs. bite-force from human masticatory muscles. Eur J Oral Sci. 2011;119:219–24.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Khoury S, Carra MC, Huynh N, Montplaisir J, Lavigne GJ. Sleep bruxism-tooth grinding prevalence, characteristics and familial aggregation: a large cross-sectional survey and polysomnographic validation. Sleep. 2016;39:2049–56.

    Google Scholar 

  48. Po JMC, Kieser JA, Gallo LM, Tésenyi AJ, Herbison P, Farella M. Time-frequency analysis of chewing activity in the natural environment. J Dent Res. 2011;90:1206–10.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Lavigne GJ, Rompré PH, Poirier G, Huard H, Kato T, Montplaisir JY. Rhythmic masticatory muscle activity during sleep in humans. J Dent Res. 2001;80:443–8.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Po JMC, Gallo LM, Michelotti A, Farella M. Comparison between the rhythmic jaw contractions occurring during sleep and while chewing. J Sleep Res. 2013;22:593–9.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Nickel JC, McLachlan KR. In vitro measurement of the frictional properties of the temporomandibular joint disc. Arch Oral Biol. 1994;39:323–31.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Nickel JC, McLachlan KR. In vitro measurement of the stress-distribution properties of the pig temporomandibular joint disc. Arch Oral Biol. 1994;39:439–48.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Schmolke C. The relationship between the temporomandibular joint capsule, articular disc and jaw muscles. J Anat. 1994;184(Pt 2):335–45.

    Google Scholar 

  54. Schmolke C, Hugger A. The human temporomandibular joint region in different positions of the mandible. Ann Anat. 1999;181:61–4.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Gallo LM, Nickel JC, Iwasaki LR, Palla S. Stress-field translation in the healthy human temporomandibular joint. J Dent Res. 2000;79:1740–6.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Gössi DB, Gallo LM, Bahr E, Palla S. Dynamic intra-articular space variation in clicking TMJs. J Dent Res. 2004;83:480–4.

    Google Scholar 

  57. Chen Y-J, Gallo LM, Palla S. The mediolateral temporomandibular joint disc position: an in vivo quantitative study. J Orofac Pain. 2002;16:29–38.

    Google Scholar 

  58. Colombo V, Palla S, Gallo LM. Temporomandibular joint loading patterns related to joint morphology: a theoretical study. Cells Tissues Organs. 2008;187:295–306.

    Google Scholar 

  59. Nickel JC, McLachlan KR. An analysis of surface congruity in the growing human temporomandibular joint. Arch Oral Biol. 1994;39:315–21.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. Gallo LM, Chiaravalloti G, Iwasaki LR, Nickel JC, Palla S. Mechanical work during stress-field translation in the human TMJ. J Dent Res. 2006;85:1006–10.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Palla S, Krebs M, Gallo LM. Jaw tracking and temporomandibular joint animation. In: McNeill C, editor. Science and practice of occlusion. Chicago, IL: Quintessence Publishing; 1997. p. 365–78.

    Google Scholar 

  62. Fushima K, Gallo LM, Krebs M, Palla S. Analysis of the TMJ intraarticular space variation: a non-invasive insight during mastication. Med Eng Phys. 2003;25:181–90.

    Google Scholar 

  63. Rues S, Lenz J, Türp JC, Schweizerhof K, Schindler HJ. Muscle and joint forces under variable equilibrium states of the mandible. Clin Oral Investig. 2011;15:737–47.

    Google Scholar 

  64. Ettlin DA, Mang H, Colombo V, Palla S, Gallo LM. Stereometric assessment of TMJ space variation by occlusal splints. J Dent Res. 2008;87:877–81.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  65. Capuozzo R, Farella M, Gallo LM, Palla S. Effects of low-level clenching on TMJ intra-articular distances. J Oral Rehabil. 2011;38:E2–E22.

    Google Scholar 

  66. Iwasaki LR, Gonzalez YM, Liu H, Marx DB, Gallo LM, Nickel JC. A pilot study of ambulatory masticatory muscle activities in temporomandibular joint disorders diagnostic groups. Orthod Craniofac Res. 2015;18(Suppl 1):146–55.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to L. M. Gallo .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2019 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Gallo, L.M., Colombo, V. (2019). Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics 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_5

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-99915-9_5

  • 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