Fibrous Component of the Temporomandibular Joint Disk

Abstract

This article describes the spatial arrangement of collagen fibrils in the articular disk of the normal human temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Disks obtained at necropsy were examined by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Observations by light microscopy showed dense cartilaginous tissue composed of collagen fiber bundles running in all directions. Observations by scanning electron microscopy revealed a network of collagen fibrils which were predominantly organized in bundles. In the surface layers an anteroposterior orientation was detectable. The authors concluded that the fibrous component of the TMJ articular disk is composed of collagen fibrils, organized in a three-dimensional network and able to resist compression forces due to loading.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lambert G.M. de Bont

Lambert G.M. de Bont, D.D.S.

Dr. de Bont received his D.D.S. degree from the University of Groningen Dental School. The Netherlands, in 1976. He qualified as oral surgeon of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Groningen, in 1980. He is involved in several research projects on the human temporomandibular joint with the Orofacial Research Group.

Dr. de Bont is a fellow of the International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the International Association of Dental Research, and the American Equilibration Society, and he is a member of several Dutch professional societies.

Robert S.B. Liem

Robert S.B. Liem

Mr. Liem is a research associate of the Department of Oral Biology at the University of Groningen. He has been active in biological research for 17 years, conducting research in the areas of hard palate, cartilage, and bone tissues. Mr. Liem takes part in research on the TMJ, craniofacial growth and development, oral microbiology, and neuroanatomy. He has had a number of articles and abstracts published in various professional journals, and he is a member of the Netherlands Electron Microscopical Society.

Peter Havinga

Peter Havinga

Mr. Havinga is a research assistant at the Centre of Medical Electron Microscopy at the University of Groningen. He specializes in biological tissue processing for scanning electron microscopy. Mr. Havinga participates in many scanning electron microscopy research projects on human soft and hard tissues.

Geert Boering

Geert Boering, D.D.S., Ph.D.

Dr. Boering, professor and chairman of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Groningen. The Netherlands, qualified as a dentist in 1954. During military service as a dental officer, he started his training in oral surgery, which he completed at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Groningen in 1958.”

In 1966 he completed his Ph.D. thesis on temporomandibular joint arthrosis (a study of 400 cases). He has supervised a number of other theses. He is a member of several national and international committees and associations.