TMJ

Question 1

Describe the TMJ.

Answer 1

It’s a biaxial condylar synovial joint which is present between the head of the mandible and the mandibular fossa and articular tubercle.

Question 2

In TMJ, what are the articular surfaces covered by?

Answer 2

By white fibrocartilage in which collagen fibers are abundant and cartilage cells are few.

Question 3

Enumerate ligaments of the TMJ and mention which of them truly supports the joint?

Answer 3

Temporomandibular ligament (truly supports it)

Sphenomandibular ligament
Stylomandibular ligament

Question 4

Depression or opening of the mouth is done by?

Answer 4

Lateral pterygoid muscle assisted by gravity

Mylohyoid and geniohyoid assist in case of opening against resistance.

Question 5

Elevation or closing of the mouth is done by?

Answer 5

Medial pterygoid, masseter, temporalis muscles.

Question 6

Protrusion is done by?

Answer 6

Lateral and medial pterygoids.

Question 7

Retraction of the mandible is done by?

Answer 7

Posterior fibers of temporalis muscle.

Question 8

Side to side movement is done by?

Answer 8

Medial and lateral pterygoids.

Question 9

What’s the nerve supply to TMJ?

Answer 9

Auriculotemporal nerve and nerve to masseter.

Question 10

What’s the blood supply of TMJ?

Answer 10

Maxillary and superficial temporal arteries.