Clinical Anatomy of the Temporomandibular Joint

Part V

Abstract

Anatomy of the temporomandibular joint appears to have an important role in understanding masticatory system and diseases. Although many articles have been reported about the temporomandibular joint anatomy, there are a few reports describing the relations between basic anatomy and clinical condition.
We reviewed current articles about temporomandibular joint anatomy, aimed for clarifying the relations between basic and clinical findings.
Part 5:
We introduced articles about the fibrous capsule and the lateral ligament in the temporomandibular joint. The fibrous capsule is lacking in anterior and posterior recesses. The lateral ligament showed several types, then we cannot decide the shape and the function of the lateral ligament. Further research is needed including the receptors and the lateral pterygoid muscle in living body for geting the true functions.