[Biochemical studies of the temporomandibular ligament in dogs]

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the biochemical composition of the normal adult dog's temporomandibular ligament (TML) along its ligament (TML) along its length. Water content and hexosamine concentration as an index of glycosaminoglycan content and collagen concentration were quantified; and the results compared statistically with anatomically identified TML segments. The TML contained lower water content and higher collagen, hexosamine concentration than capsule (P less than 0.05). All the contents of these components in different locations along the ligament were not significantly different, with the exception that on the insertion site of the temporal eminence the concentration of the hexosamine was less than that in other areas (P less than 0.05). This study provided useful data for the analysis of TML functions and its mechanical properties.