[Ontogenic development of the temporomandibular cavity in man]

We have studied the size and configuration of the human temporomandibular joint pit in Man. We have treated a set of 158 skulls representing all age categories--ranging from the end of prenatal period till the oldest age. We have measured the maximal transverse dimension of the pit and sorted out categories according to the state of denture (DENT 1-7). We have also measured the maximal longitudinal dimension (in reality both measured dimensions are oriented slightly obliquely, perpendicularly to each other). The last measured parameter has been the depth of the pit. All three parameters served for the pit width-length index computation. We have discovered the following changes during the development: at the beginning of the monitored developmental stage the pit is very flat and round-shaped. With the denture development (starting with the milk-denture already) the pit changes into an oval-shaped, deep structure. With the 2nd denture development continues in all trends, although in a slower way. At teeth losses in the old age category the pit becomes shallower again but not as flat as in childhood.