Head & Neck 2

Question 1

What is the TMJ, what type of joint does it have, and when is it most stable?

Answer 1

The joint where the condyle/condylar process of mandible slots into the mandibular fossa of temporal bone

Synovial joint (modified-hinge)

Most stable when in closed position

Question 2

Where are the ramus and coronoid process of the mandible located?

Answer 2

Ramus - vertical part of mandible starting from condyle to the mandibles angle

Coronoid Process - protrusion that is present anterior to condyle

Question 3

What are the 4 functions of the TMJ?

Answer 3

• Depression
• Elevation
• Protrusion
• Retraction

Question 4

Why is TMJ most stable when in closed position?

Answer 4

Teeth are occluded and condyle is secure in the mandibular fossa

Question 5

How many muscles of mastication are there and what are the names of each?

Answer 5

4
Masseter
Temporalis
Medial Pterygoid
Lateral Pterygoid

Question 6

What is the function of the medial pterygoid?

Answer 6

Elevation & Protrusion of mandible

Question 7

What is the function of the lateral pterygoid?

Answer 7

Depression & Protrusion of mandible

Question 8

What is the function of the masseter?

Answer 8

Elevation & Protrusion of mandible

Parallels the medial pterygoid, but stronger

Question 9

What is the function of the temporalis?

Answer 9

Elevation & Retraction

Anterior & Mid fibres = Elevation
Posterior fibres = Retraction