Morphologic study of the mandibular fossa and the eminence of the temporomandibular joint in relation to the facial structures

Articular Eminence Inclination in Medieval and Contemporary Croatian Population

“…It can be assumed that all the factors that aff ect the temporomandibular joints also affect the articular eminence and its inclination. AEI as an important element in the biomechanics of temporomandibular joint was studied by using diff erent materials and methods, and therefore highly variable values were obtained [5][6][7]9 . For example, the path of movement of the condyle during protrusion corresponds to the contour and height of the eminence.…”

“…For example, the path of movement of the condyle during protrusion corresponds to the contour and height of the eminence. However, with this method, the value of the height and angle of the eminence may be indefi nite because of the presence of the incongruous disk 6 . Other methods can also have their own limitations, e.g., measurements on models taken from an impression of the fossa or direct measurement carried out on dry skulls, measurements performed on arthrograms, panoramic radiographs, tomographic radiographs, cephalometric radiographs, scaled photographs, etc.…”

“…Other methods can also have their own limitations, e.g., measurements on models taken from an impression of the fossa or direct measurement carried out on dry skulls, measurements performed on arthrograms, panoramic radiographs, tomographic radiographs, cephalometric radiographs, scaled photographs, etc. 6,15 . Th e measurements are diffi cult due to the complicated structure of the articular eminence and glenoid fossa which consists of many small and complex curved surfaces.…”

“…Th is incongruence is passed by cartilaginous articular disc which is able to move together with mandibular condyle along the articular eminence. Considering its morphology, temporomandibular joint allows a large range of mandibular movements and consequently transmission of forces and loads on the skull base 6,7 . Th e articular eminence is therefore made up of thick and dense bone, which is suitable for loadbearing 8 .…”

“…Th e morphology of the articular eminence, glenoid fossa and mandibular condyle depends on numerous factors, such as changes in dentition associated with aging (tooth loss, attrition and/or increased function), degenerative changes of the glenoid fossa, masticatory stress, craniofacial growth, gender, ethnicity and the relationship between the fossa and the eminence in relation to the facial structures 4,6,[10][11][12][13] . Its functional morphology also depends on the morphological changes of the cranial base during ontogeny and hominid evolution, and mechanical properties of the craniofacial skeleton (environmental factors, food consistency and toughness) 4 .…”