Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and its articular disc

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the few joints in the human body that has an articular disc. It is a biconcave fibrocartilaginous plate located within the joint cavity between the articular surfaces of the mandibular condyle and the temporal bone. Its primary function is to absorb stress and distribute the compressive load on the joint. At the same time, the articular disc divides the joint cavity into two smaller joint cavities known as the floors or compartments - superior and inferior. The superior floor is a plain-gliding joint responsible for translational movements, while the inferior floor is a hinge joint designed for rotational movements. Watch the video to see the disc! Learn more about the TMJ or any other anatomical structure on !