What is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?

It is a true synovial joint. It is the diarthrodial (freely moveable) articulation between the condyle of the mandible and the articular tubercle of the mandibular fossa of the squamous part of the temporal bone. It is a bilateral articulation, which means the right and left joints must function together, thus making these joints highly specialized. We present the following:

Normal Anatomy of the TMJ

Normal Anatomy of the TMJ
Normal and Abnormal TMJ Function

Normal and Abnormal TMJ Function

Authors: Rasneet Kaloti and Anthony Romaniuk

U-SCALE Project - Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Canada

The TMJ modules have been supported by several members of the U-SCALE development team (1999):

  • Lyndsey Ferguson - Computer Programmer

  • Mike Cunningham - Multimedia Programmer and Program Manager

  • Jason Mark - Medical Illustrator/Graphics Artist

  • Tonya McGowan - Medical Photographer

Expert assistance has been provided by the following:

  • Dr. Geoffrey D. Guttmann - Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine

  • Dr. Dean Kolbinson - College of Dentistry