TMJ Anatomy and Patient History Quiz

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the connection between the temporal bone of the skull and the mandible (lower jaw).

Mandibular elevation is closing your mouth, while depression is opening it. Protrusion moves the jaw forward (underbite), and retrusion moves it backward (overbite).

Chewing and grinding are complex movements involving rotation and translation of the TMJ.

Mandibular depression involves two phases: early rotation and later translation. Opening the mouth requires posterior rotation and anterior translation.

The lateral temporal mandibular ligament prevents excessive movements in anterior/posterior and lateral directions, not just opening.

The left medial and lateral pterygoids protract while the right posterior temporalis retracts to chew on the right side of your mouth.

The subjective interview for patient history includes gathering information on: present illness, past health history, family history and personal/social history.

The 'sacred seven' describe the onset, location, quality, severity, duration, timing and modifying factors of a patient's symptoms.

A condition where the TMJ disc displaces anteriorly during jaw opening, but returns to its normal position during closure.

This is a type of TMJ problem where the disc shifts forward and gets stuck.

This is a problem with the TMJ where the jaw opens too wide, causing the lateral poles to move too far forward.

This movement pattern refers to the jaw quickly shifting to the opposite side at the end of opening.

The point in the jaw's opening range where the disc returns to normal.

This describes the uncomfortable feeling of having the TMJ disc stuck in a forward position.

The bilaminar tissue can pinch between the mandible and temporal bone during anterior displacement without reduction.

The smooth surface of the mandibular condyle that interacts with the articular disc in the TMJ.

A description of symptoms provided by the patient in their own words.

A visual representation of where the patient experiences pain, often using a diagram of the body.

The intensity of pain, typically measured using a pain scale.

A way to describe the characteristics of pain, using terms like aching, stabbing, burning, or stiffness.

The pattern and timing of pain, including whether it's constant, intermittent, or worse at certain times of day.

Factors that worsen or improve pain, such as activity, rest, or specific positions.

A detailed assessment of the patient's current medical treatment, including medications, imaging, prognosis, and response to interventions.

A potential serious condition that requires prompt attention, such as cervical instability, fracture, or myelopathic symptoms.

A forward head posture can affect the resting position of the jaw, potentially leading to malocclusion and muscle guarding around the TMJ.

A characteristic posture with a forward head, rounded shoulders, and increased thoracic kyphosis, often observed in people with TMJ disorders.

An assessment of the patient's overall posture, including head position, shoulder alignment, and spinal curves, while observing for any deformities, asymmetry, or muscle imbalances.

A comprehensive assessment involving dermatome testing, deep tendon reflex testing, myotome testing, and additional neurological tests.

A technique used to assess the joint space and soft tissues around the temporomandibular joint.

An assessment of the range of motion, strength, end feels, and accessory motions of the temporomandibular joint.

Specific tests designed to assess the TMJ and surrounding structures, including loading of one joint, posterior loading, and distraction techniques.