Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026

A Morphometric and Cellular Analysis Method for the Murine Mandibular Condyle
Published on: January 11, 2018
Computational synovial dynamics of a normal temporomandibular joint during jaw opening
Yue Xu1, Jie-Min Zhan, You-Hua Zheng
1Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
Background/Purpose:
Synovial fluid in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts as a lubricant and shock absorber, facilitating smooth jaw movements by reducing friction and cushioning the articular cartilage and other tissues in the TMJ. This study investigated the flow pattern of synovial fluid in the articular cavity during jaw opening.
Methods:
The upper TMJ compartment in a healthy individual was studied by computed tomography arthrography, and the intra-articular pressures were measured during jaw opening. The compartment was reconstructed in three dimensions, and finite volume fluid dynamic modeling was used to analyze the pattern of fluid flow and pressure distribution during jaw movements.
Results:
In a closed-jaw position, the upper joint compartment assumed a dumbbell shape. During the jaw opening process, the anterior portion of the upper compartment decreased gradually until it disappeared completely when the jaw was opened. As the jaw opened, the posterior space enlarged gradually. During jaw opening, the pressure in the anterior space of the upper compartment was higher than that in the posterior space. The model indicated that synovial fluid circulated anticlockwise, forming local vortices in both anterior and posterior spaces.
Conclusion:
During jaw opening processes, the three dimensional configuration of a normal upper TMJ compartment changed as the joint disc moved, with the synovial fluid circulating in an anticlockwise direction and local vortices forming.
Related Concept Videos
Development 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...
Structural Joints: Synovial Joints
Knee Joint
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris group...
Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints
There are two types of cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis
A synchondrosis ("joined by cartilage") is a cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. Synchondrosis may be temporary or...
Introduction to Joints
Ankle Joint

