[Functional aspects of embryonic secondary cartilage development in the human TMJ]

The development of the temporomandibular joint was studied histologically in sagittal sections of four human fetuses with a crown-to-rump length of 49 mm to 315 mm. Special attention was paid to the appearance of secondary cartilage in the condylar and glenoidal joint elements. There was a close relationship between the development of both the soft tissue and bony elements. It is the purpose of this paper to report histologic observations made in humans regarding the functional genesis of the temporal secondary cartilage.