temporomandibulaarliigest

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge‑type synovial joint that connects the mandible to the temporal bone of the skull. It is one of the most complex joints in the human body, allowing a combination of hinge and sliding movements necessary for chewing, speaking, and yawning. The joint consists of a mandibular condyle, a mandibular fossa in the temporal bone, an articular disc that divides the joint cavity into superior and inferior compartments, and a capsule lined with hyaline cartilage. Muscles such as the masseter, temporalis, medial pterygoid, and lateral pterygoid coordinate dynamic movements, while ligaments including the lateral and medial pterygoid ligaments stabilize the joint.

Clinical significance is highlighted by temporomandibular disorders (TMD), a set of conditions that cause pain or dysfunction in the TMJ and surrounding structures. Symptoms include joint sounds (crepitus or clicking), restricted mouth opening, facial pain, headaches, and ear fullness. Causes are multifactorial, involving parafunctional habits (e.g., bruxism), trauma, arthritis, and occlusal discrepancies. Diagnosis relies on clinical examination, imaging such as panoramic radiography or MRI, and patient history. Management ranges from conservative measures—splint therapy, physical therapy, anti‑inflammatory medication—to surgical interventions in severe cases. Research continues on regenerative options such as stem‑cell‑based therapies and minimally invasive arthrocentesis. The TMJ’s essential role in daily functions and its susceptibility to dysfunction underscore its importance in oral and maxillofacial medicine.