TMJ
Normal Movement
TMJ & Articluar Disc
Below are some 3D interactive models and a summary animation to show the anatomy and normal movements of the TMJ and articular disc. These include opening and closing of the mouth, protrusion/retrusion and lateral movement.
The Temporomandibular Joint
This summary video is intended to show the normal movements of the TMJ and articular disc through a 3D animated model. These movements include open/shut, protrusion, retrusion and lateral movement.
Open/Shut
The common opening and shutting of the mandible makes the articular disc slide forward and downward with the condyle over the articular eminance. This stops friction between the condyle and the fossa of the skull.
Protrusion/ Retrusion
When performing protrusion the mandible also slides down but moves further forward over the articular eminance, making the bottom teeth jutt out and over the top teeth.
The temporalis muscle is responsible for the retraction of the mandible.
Lateral Movement
During lateral movement condyle (A)moves forward and inward, while condyle (B) will shift slightly in a lateroposterior (or rotate in vertical axis) direction : Lateral movement of the mandible is the result of contraction of one lateral pterygoid muscle.
A.
B.
