Articular disk of the temporomandibular joint
The articular disk is a thin, oval plate, which is made from fibrous connective tissue, non vascular, placed between the condyle of the mandible and the mandibular fossa.
Its upper surface is concavo-convex from before backward, to accommodate itself to the form of the mandibular fossa and the articular tubercle.
Its under surface, in contact with the condyle, is concave.
Its circumference is connected to the articular capsule; and in front to the tendon of the Pterygoideus externus.
It is thicker at its periphery, especially behind, than at its center.
The fibers of which it is composed have a concentric arrangement, more apparent at the circumference than at the center.
It divides the joint into two cavities, each of which is furnished with a synovial membrane.
Attachments of Disc:
- Anterior portion of the disc attaches inferiorly to the anterior condyle and superiorly to the eminence by bending with the joint capsule
- Posteriorly, the disc attaches superiorly to the temporal bone and inferiorly to the posterior condyle.
- Laterally and medially, the disc attachments blend into the joint capsule near its attachment to the condylar head
