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Updated: Jun 28, 2025

In situ Compressive Loading and Correlative Noninvasive Imaging of the Bone-periodontal Ligament-tooth Fibrous Joint
Published on: March 7, 2014
Contribution of the complex comprising the masticatory fascia, disc, and capsule to temporomandibular joint
Keiko Fukino1, Masahiro Tsutsumi2, Eiichi Honda3
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.
Background:
Anterior displacement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc is the most typical pathological condition of TMJ disorders. Structures attached to the articular disc may support the disc in various directions and contribute to stabilizing the TMJ. However, the relationship between the articular disc, capsule, and masticatory muscles remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the relationship between the masticatory muscles, related masticatory fascia, articular disc, and capsule.
Methods:
We examined 10 halves from adult Japanese cadavers, with five halves macroscopically analyzed and the remaining five histologically analyzed. The TMJ was dissected from the lateral aspect for gross anatomical analysis. For histological analysis, the relationship between the temporal and masseteric fasciae and the articular capsule was observed in the coronal section. Additionally, we evaluated relationships among the disc, capsule, temporal fascia, and masseteric fascia in 10 living and healthy volunteers using magnetic resonance imaging.
Results:
The articular disc was attached to the capsule without a clear border. The capsule continued into the masseteric and temporal fasciae. Consequently, the articular disc, capsule, masseteric, and temporal fasciae were considered a single complex.
Conclusions:
The single complex of the temporalis, masseter, capsule, masticatory fascia, and disc may antagonize the force in the posterolateral direction through the fascia.
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