Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
A Morphometric and Cellular Analysis Method for the Murine Mandibular Condyle
Published on: January 11, 2018
Morphological observation of process of mouse temporomandibular joint formation
Takahiro Ohshima1, Hakubun Yonezu, Yohei Nishibori
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tokyo Dental College, Japan.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to clarify the developmental mechanism of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cavity, using the relationship between Meckel's cartilage and the mandible to morphologically observe the process of TMJ formation in mouse fetuses. We investigated the involvement of apoptosis in the development of the mouse TMJ cavity. We attempted to 3-dimensionally clarify the developmental process of the mandible and Meckel's cartilage by observing the developmental process optically and reconstructing 3-dimensional images to observe 3-dimensional locations of the mandible and Meckel's cartilage. Formation of the upper joint cavity began on embryonal day 16, and a complete joint cavity was formed on embryonal day 18. Formation of the lower joint cavity began on embryonal day 18, and formation was almost completed on embryonal day 19. Meckel's cartilage adjacent to the mandible decreased with development of the mandible but was vestigial on embryonal day 19. The posterior region of Meckel's cartilage developed toward the posterior direction, and it was 3-dimensionally confirmed that the mandible and Meckel's cartilage were separated. Histological observation by the TUNEL method revealed the presence of solitary and diffuse apoptotic cells not only in the joint cavity, but also around the condyle.
Insights
This study reveals how the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cavity forms in mouse fetuses, detailing the roles of Meckel’s cartilage and apoptosis in TMJ development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Craniofacial Development
- Histology
Background:
- The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is crucial for jaw function.
- Understanding TMJ development is key to addressing related congenital disorders.
- Meckel's cartilage and apoptosis are implicated in craniofacial morphogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the developmental mechanism of the TMJ cavity in mouse fetuses.
- To investigate the morphological relationship between Meckel's cartilage and the mandible during TMJ formation.
- To examine the involvement of apoptosis in TMJ cavity development.
Main Methods:
- 3D reconstruction of mandible and Meckel's cartilage from optical observations.
- Morphological analysis of TMJ formation in mouse fetuses.
- Histological examination using the TUNEL method to detect apoptosis.
Main Results:
- TMJ upper joint cavity formation initiated on embryonic day 16, completed by day 18.
- TMJ lower joint cavity formation initiated on embryonic day 18, nearly complete by day 19.
- Apoptotic cells were observed in the joint cavity and around the condyle, indicating apoptosis's role.
Conclusions:
- Meckel's cartilage diminishes as the mandible develops and separates from it.
- Apoptosis is a significant factor in the development of the mouse TMJ cavity.
- This study provides a detailed 3D morphological understanding of TMJ cavity formation.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bone Formation by Intramembranous Ossification
The process begins when mesenchymal cells in the embryonic skeleton gather together and differentiate into osteogenic cells, which then develop into...
01:07Development of the Limb Synovial Joints
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...