Fuentes, R.; Cantín, M.; Ottone, N. E. & Bucchi, C.

Summary

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a ginglymus-arthrodial bilateral synovial joint, anatomically composed by the mandibular condyle, mandibular fossa and articular tubercle. It is necessary to have a perfect knowledge of the anatomy of the TMJ for a proper understanding of its function. The anatomical description of bony structures of the TMJ present in the scientific literature is not entirely accurate, with several differences on the delimitation of the mandibular condyle, the limits of the articular surfaces, the fissures present in the mandibular fossa. In addition, there is a wide variability of terms for each anatomical structure. A review of textbooks and scientific articles was performed, about the anatomical description of the bony components of the TMJ and terms to refer to them, compared with the terms established by the Anatomical Terminology.

KEY WORDS: Temporomandibular joint; Mandibular condyle; Articular tubercle; Mandibular fossa; Anatomical Terminology.

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