title: The human temporo-mandibular joint: current anatomic and physiologic status.
abstract: The aim of this study was to take stock of current anatomic and physiologic knowledge of the human temporo-mandibular joint. Though the lateral pterygoid m. plays an essential role in joint movements, we believe that the small deep portion of the masseter and temporalis have a supplementary action in guiding the articular disc forward. The embryologists have demonstrated joint movements in the two-month embryo and at this stage there already exists a triple attachment of the temporalis, pterygoid and masseter to the disc.
authors.affiliation: Unité d'Odontologie Chirurgicale, UER Odontologie, Rennes, France.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Le Toux
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Duval
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Darnault
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008406:Masseter Muscle / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008410:Masticatory Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011626:Pterygoid Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013703:Temporal Muscle / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology