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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
08:07
A Morphometric and Cellular Analysis Method for the Murine Mandibular Condyle
Published on: January 11, 2018
Morphologic features of the fetal mandibular condyle: layers, canals and microvascular pattern
Mugurel Constantin Rusu1, Florinel Pop, Rosalia Leonardi
1″Carol Davila″ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania. anatomon@gmail.com
Summary
The developing human mandibular condyle shows evolving vascular patterns. Abnormal vascular development, specifically lack of regression, may predispose to bifid condyle or condylar weakness.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Anatomy
- Histology
Background:
- The mandibular condyle develops with a fibrovascular septum that can persist, potentially causing a bifid condyle.
- Understanding the vascular morphology during condylar development is crucial for identifying developmental anomalies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the vascular morphology of human fetal temporomandibular joint (TMJ) specimens during the third trimester.
- To correlate vascular patterns with the developing layers and vascular canals (VCs) of the mandibular condyle.
Main Methods:
- Histological analysis (hematoxylin-eosin, Van Gieson stain) and immunohistochemistry (bcl2, CD34) on 11 human fetal TMJ specimens (27-38cm CRL).
- Microvasculature studies using black ink injections in 2 human fetal TMJ specimens (24cm, 31cm CRL).
Main Results:
- The intermediate loose lamina (LL) transitions from vascular-mesenchymal to fibrillar, with a transient clear space.
- Vascular canals (VCs) are present within the condyle proper, connecting to the LL.
- Vessels retract peripherally with age, with intrinsic condylar vessels becoming dominant; LL vascularization parallels LJC development.
Conclusions:
- Vascular morphogenesis in the LL and LJC shows comparable age-related regression of vascular structures.
- Failure of vascular regression and closure of V-shaped defects may underlie condylar bifidism or weakness, increasing susceptibility to trauma.
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