TEMPERO-MANDIBULAR JOINT: THE KINETICS OF ELEVATION & DEPRESSION

Abstract

The temperomandibular joint (TMJ) is a multiaxial ginlymoarthrodial synovial joint endowed with a capacity to perform a wide range of movements , primarily through its bicondylar mandibule freely articulating with a stationary (fixed) fossa of the squamous temporal. This short paper elaborates on an odd, yet possible, movement that can be performed by the joint: An illusory and paradoxical 'depression' that can result by a reversal in the roles of the two articulating bones, the mandible and the temporal. Whereas in classical depression, the TMJ utilizes two axises, the same joint during performance of the reversed articulation uses just a single axis to achieve an identical final outcome, separation of the alveolar ridges of two bones.This paper here discusses the kinetics and articular dynamics that coordinate the plethora of performed or possible movements with special reference and a closer observation of the depression – elevation sequence.