title: On the development, morphology and function of the temporomandibular joint in the light of the orofacial system.
abstract: The temporomandibular joint has a key role in the biocybernetic functional cycle of the orofacial system. It has developed as a "secondary joint" and displays a number of features relating to the articular tubercle, the mandibular condyle, the articular disc, the joint cartilage and the retroarticular pad. The joint cartilage of the mandibular condyle is a primary compensatory growth centre also comprising distant effects. The coordinate course of the mandibular movements is controlled by a complex reflex mechanism and neuronal controller cycles. Morphology, function and clinical aspects are of equal interest to both physicians and dentists.
authors: Abteilung für Oralanatomie im Zentrum für Zahn-, Mund- und Kieferheilkunde, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universitit Greifswald, Rotgerberstrasse 8, D-17475 Greifswald, Germany. fanghaen@uni-greifswald.de
authors: Jochen
authors: J
authors: Fanghänel
authors: Tomasz
authors: T
authors: Gedrange
mesh_terms: D000344:Afferent Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000254:growth & development; D004525:Efferent Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D005145:Face / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008322:Mammals; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D009055:Mouth / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology