The Temporomandibular Joint Anatomy

Questions and Answers

What is the superior bony articular surface of the temporomandibular joint?

Condylar process

Articular tubercle of the temporal bone (correct)

Head of the mandible

Mandibular fossa

What type of cartilage covers the articular surfaces of the temporomandibular joint?

Hyaline cartilage

Elastic cartilage

Fibrocartilage (correct)

None of the above

What structure divides the temporomandibular joint cavity into upper and lower cavities?

Synovial membrane

Ligaments

Fibrocartilaginous articular disc (correct)

Articular capsule

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the temporomandibular joint?

It is covered with hyaline cartilage Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the temporomandibular joint?

To allow for movement of the jaw Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT directly visualized in the anatomical and CT images of the TMJ?

The innervation of the TMJ Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of obtaining images of the TMJ in both the closed- and open-mouth positions?

To assess the movement of the mandibular condyle Signup and view all the answers

Which of these options is MOST closely related to the innervation of the TMJ?

The trigeminal nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of understanding the innervation of the TMJ?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which type of imaging technique is MOST commonly used to visualize the TMJ?

Computed tomography (CT) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the venous plexus in the posterior aspect of the joint?

To contribute to the production of synovial fluid Signup and view all the answers

How does the venous plexus in the posterior aspect of the joint respond to protrusive movements?

The plexus expands and fills with blood Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the venous plexus in the posterior aspect of the joint during retrusive movements?

The plexus contracts and empties Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the alternate filling and emptying of the venous plexus?

It facilitates the removal of waste products from the joint Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the venous plexus in the posterior aspect of the joint?

Nutrient delivery to joint tissues Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the muscles of mastication in relation to the TMJ?

Producing movement of the mandible Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following movements can occur at the temporomandibular joint?

Protraction and retraction Signup and view all the answers

In what context does rotation occur in the TMJ?

When chewing Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the movements of the mandible is incorrect?

The mandible can slide laterally and medially. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes how the mandible is elevated?

By the actions of the temporalis muscle Signup and view all the answers

What is the articular disk primarily composed of?

Dense fibrous connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What feature of the articular disk allows it to withstand pressure?

Lack of blood vessels and nerves Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the articular disk in the temporomandibular joint?

To act as a shock absorber Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the articular disk?

Highly vascularized Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the articular disk being non-vascularized and non-innervated?

It allows it to withstand pressure without experiencing pain Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

The bony articular surfaces involved in the TMJ are the mandibular fossa and articular tubercle of the temporal bone (superiorly) and the head of the mandible (condylar process) (inferiorly).
Unlike most synovial joints, the TMJ's articular surfaces are covered with fibrous cartilage rather than hyaline cartilage.

Articular Disk

The articular disk is composed of dense fibrous connective tissue.
The articular disk is non-vascularized and non-innervated, an adaptation that allows it to resist pressure.
The disk divides the joint cavity into upper and lower cavities.

Innervation and Blood Supply

The TMJ has a rich plexus of veins in the posterior aspect of the joint.
The veins fill and empty alternately with protrusive and retrusive movements, respectively.
The veins also function in the production of synovial fluid.

Movements of the TMJ

TMJ movements are produced chiefly by the muscles of mastication.
The mandible can be depressed (lowered) or elevated (raised).
The mandible can be protruded (moved forward) or retracted (moved backward).
Rotation can also occur, as in chewing.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Learn about the bony articular surfaces and anatomy of the temporomandibular joint, including the mandibular fossa, articular tubercle, and head of the mandible.