Morphometric Characteristics of Temporomandibular Joint in Human During the Second Trimester of Intrauterine Development

Abstract

The article provides data on the anatomical features of temporomandibular joint in the second trimester of fetal development, certain methods of anatomy, morphometry and craniometry. The glenoid fossa in fetuses aged 4-6 months was found to be flat. The bone substance in the glenoid fossa is thin. One can see the development of the elements of the synovial membrane in the articular capsule. In the lower and upper parts of the articular cavity, the folds and ligaments of the connective tissue plate are identified, and the capillaries grow into the synovial membrane. In some places there are connective tissue membranes between the surfaces of the temporal bone and the articular disk, the articular disk and the head of mandible. Macroscopically, the articular disk has a dense structure, it is arranged between the articular surfaces, from the back surface of the articular disk to the inner surface of the articular capsule the taenia of the connective tissue is identified. Anteriorly, the articular disk is attached in the area of the future articular tubercle. The right and lefts temporomandibular joint are of the same size. In the dynamics of the second trimester of intrauterine development, the temporomandibular joint is characterized by the presence of a flat glenoid fossa and the absence of an articular tubercle. An increase in all craniometric indices is observed, indicating an increase in the total bone mass of the skull and an increase in the size of the temporomandibular joint.