TMJ Flashcards
**What does TMJ stand for?
temporomandibular joint
**What is a joint?
The joining together of 2 bones - many possible types
**The TMJ is the articulation between what two bones?
Mandible and temporal bones
**What are the four skeletal formations of these bones connected with the TMJ?
- Condyle of the mandible
- articular eminence of temporal
- mandibular fossa (glenoid)
- posterior tubercle
***Describe the Articular Disc. What is another name for this disc?
Meniscus. Small fibrous pad of dense collagen tissue
- no blood supply or nerves at center but rich supply in posterior region
- thinnest at center
- much thicker at posterior area
Attached - above to temporal bone
- below to cirumference of condyle
- posterior to ramus
**What are the Synovial Cavities and what does the fluid in these cavities provide?
Sac-like compartments above and below the meniscus.
Cells of lining secrete lubricant for the joint.
Allows surfaces to rub together without irritation.
Also nutrients for cells of meniscus.
**What is the Articular Capsule? (Name is joint capsule in text) Is this the same as the TMJ ligament? Explain your answer.
It is different than ligament.
Ligament is lateral thickening of capsule.
It attaches between zygomatic arch and lateral pole of condyle.
Prevents extreme movements
A capsule is a sock like structure / connective tissue that surrounds the joint - attaches above and below.
**Describe what is meant by Subluxation:
Condyles slip forward to articular eminence (cant close the jaw)
**Describe what is meant by Bruxism:
Excess grinding - teeth to teeth habit causing abnormal wear - usually occurs at night.
May cause TMJ soreness. Over function of muscles.
**What are the two TMJ movements and when do they occur?
Hinge: rotation. lower synovial cavity and condyle upon opening
Gliding: joins rotational movement as teeth open further. Upper cavity - gliding of condyle along posterior of articular eminence.
**What is the cause of most TMJ pain?
Muscular pain is most likely.
Also could be reffered pain. Clenching/Bruxism
What type of joint is the TMJ?
Compound Ginglymodiarthrodial Joint
Compound: articular disc between 2 opposing bones of a joint
Ginglymo: joint with a hinge motion
Diarthroidial: has synovial fluid
What are the structures and landmarks associated with the TMJ?
Postglenoid process/tubercle Zygomatic process Articular eminence Articular fossa Condyle of mandible
What are the soft tissue structures between the bones of the TMJ?
Blood Vessels
Articular disc/ meniscus/ joint disc
Lower synovial cavity and upper
Lateral pterygoid muscle
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
it is the destruction of cartilage and synovial capsule, therefore lacks nourishment to disc and bone; entire joint becomes involved