title: Functional anatomy of the temporomandibular joint (I).
abstract: Jaw movement is analyzed as the action between two rigid components jointed together in a particular way, the movable mandible against the stabilized cranium. Jaw articulation distinguishes form most other synovial joints of the body by the coincidence of certain characteristic features. Its articular surfaces are not covered by hyaline cartilage as elsewhere. The two jointed components carry teeth the shape, position and occlusion of which having a unique influence on specific positions and movements within the joint. A fibrocartilaginous disc is interposed between upper and lower articular surfaces; this disc compensates for the incongruities in opposing parts and allows sliding, pivoting, and rotating movements between the bony components. These are the reasons for our review of the functional anatomy of the temporomandibular joint.
authors.affiliation: Discipline of Anatomy and Embryology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Grigore T. Popa-Iasi School of Dental Medicine.
authors.forename: Anca
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sava
authors.forename: Mihaela Monica
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Scutariu
mesh_terms: D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D008410:Masticatory Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*; D014716:Vertical Dimension