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Neural elements in the human temporomandibular articular disc.

C S Wink1, M St Onge, M L Zimny

  • 1Department of Anatomy, LSU Medical Center, New Orleans 70112-1393.

Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery : Official Journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
|April 1, 1992
PubMed
Summary

Neural elements, including Ruffini endings and Pacinian corpuscles, were found in the human temporomandibular joint articular disc, primarily at its periphery. These findings suggest afferent nerves may originate within the disc.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Anatomy
  • Histology

Background:

  • The human temporomandibular joint (TMJ) articular disc plays a crucial role in joint function.
  • Understanding the neural innervation of the TMJ disc is essential for diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and topographical distribution of neural elements within the human TMJ articular disc.
  • To identify specific types of neural structures within the disc and surrounding tissues.

Main Methods:

  • Autopsy-derived human TMJ articular discs (n=6) were utilized.
  • Tissues were processed using gold chloride staining, sectioning (70-100 microns), and microscopic examination.
  • Discs were analyzed both intact and sectioned to determine anterior-posterior orientation.

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Main Results:

  • Nerve fibers were observed entering the articular disc from the pericapsular connective tissue.
  • Neural structures resembling Ruffini endings, Pacinian corpuscles, and Golgi tendon organs were identified.
  • Neural element density was highest at the disc periphery, decreasing towards the center.
  • Concentration was greater at anterior and posterior margins, with the highest density posteriorly.

Conclusions:

  • The human TMJ articular disc contains neural elements, including mechanoreceptors.
  • Neural innervation is concentrated at the disc periphery and margins, particularly posteriorly.
  • These findings support the hypothesis that afferent nerves can originate from neural elements within the TMJ disc.