The microanatomy of the rhesus monkey temporomandibular joint.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to describe and compare the histology of the rhesus monkey temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with that of the human joint.


METHODS
Seventeen rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) with an age range from 4 to 11 years were used. Both TMJs of the first animal and the left TMJs of the remaining 16 animals were used for this study. The joint specimens were sectioned sagittally and processed for light and electron microscopic studies.


RESULTS
The rhesus monkey TMJ consists of the condylar, glenoid fossa, and articular disc components. The histology of these components is described at the light and electron microscopic level.


CONCLUSIONS
The monkey TMJ was found to be anatomically similar to the human joint. It was concluded that the rhesus monkey is one of the most suitable animal models for studies involving the TMJ.
Tong
A C
AC
Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and Dental Unit, Department of Health, Hong Kong. tongcka@i-cable.com
Tideman
H
H
D000818:Animals; D002356:Cartilage / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003094:Collagen / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D017746:Joint Capsule / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008253:Macaca mulatta / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D023421:Models, Animal; D010012:Osteogenesis; D011626:Pterygoid Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D019224:Temporomandibular Joint Disc / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000648:ultrastructure
D003094:Collagen