Supportive Structures of the TMJ

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a synovial (modified) hinge joint that allows for depression (opening the mouth), protraction (sliding forward of the mandible to open further), retraction (sliding backward of the mandible), and elevation (closing of the mandible). The articular disc divides the synovial cavity into two compartments. Sliding movements take place in the superior compartment (protraction & retraction) and hinge movements take place in the inferior compartment (depression & elevation). Model created using BodyParts3D (lifesciencedb.jp/bp3d), Life Sciences Integrated Database Center licensed by CC Attribution-Inheritance 2.1 Japan, 2008 Described in the following lecture video: https://youtu.be/IRwF7kdwgk4