Vasconcellos, Henrique Ayres; Sousa, Érica Malinda Acácio; Cavalcante, Mey Lie Tan Maia de Holanda

Summary

The anatomic and dental literatures classify the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) through anatomic and fuctional criterion and or derangements of the stomatognatics and craniomandibular systems. Frequently the pathologies demand a permanent study of the morphology, biomechanics, maxillofacial and systemic diseases, of the joint. Our Objective is to analyze the current classifications and to express our opinion about the one that the best suits the morphological and functional characteristics of the TMJ. The Material and Method consisted of the analysis of the bone surfaces, articular structures, and muscles, related to the TMJ of human adult corpses , from the collection of the Departments of Anatomy of IB/ UERJ and of the Faculty of Medicine of Petrópolis/RJ. The literature was consulted to obtain the classifications. The Results – the descriptive study allowed the morphological and functional analysis of the joint. The consultation of the literature supplied the relative data to the classifications. Conclusion – the geometry of the condyle, the joint relations, and the mandibular movements, suggest that the TMJ is a Condyloid Synovial Joint. Keywords: temporomandibular joint; TMJ; anatomy of the face; TMJ classification.

How to cite this article

VASCONCELLOS, A. H.; SOUSA, A. E. M. & CAVALCANTE, H. M. L. T. M. Temporomandibular joint classification: Functional and anatomic aspects. Int. J. Odontostomat., 1(1):25-28, 2007.