[Functional dynamics of the TMJ. Importance of the lateral capsular ligament]

On the base of some papers previously published on the anatomy and physiology of the Tmj the Authors have studied the intracapsular dynamics of the cranio mandibular articulation. The intracapsular movements are guided by some biomechanical restrictions that have been cautiously studied and analized. The biological advantages of the presence of the meniscus between the two articular surfaces is clearly stated. The role of the lateral capsular ligament in stabilizing the disk over the condyle head is clearly demonstrated on the base of previous studies both on the microscopic and macroscopic anatomy of the ligament and the capsule. According to the Authors the disk is stabilized over the condyle head by the lateral capsular ligament, the temporomandibular ligament and by the histological structure of the meniscus that permits its compression and distorsion during the mandibular movements. The disk distorsion increases the anatomical correspondence between the intracapsular structures.