Temporomandibular joint anatomy test

1. Which tissue covers the articular surfaces of the temporomandibular joint?

• Fibrocartilage

  The articular surfaces of the TMJ are covered by fibrocartilage, unlike most other synovial joints.

• Hyaline cartilage

  The articular surfaces of the TMJ are covered by fibrocartilage, unlike most other synovial joints.

• Elastic cartilage

  The articular surfaces of the TMJ are covered by fibrocartilage, unlike most other synovial joints.

• Dense irregular connective tissue

  The articular surfaces of the TMJ are covered by fibrocartilage, unlike most other synovial joints.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The articular surfaces of the TMJ are covered by fibrocartilage, unlike most other synovial joints.

2. Which muscle protrudes the mandible forward (protrusion) during bilateral contraction?

• Temporalis muscle

  Bilateral contraction of the lateral pterygoid muscles draws the articular heads and disks forward.

• Masseter muscle

  Bilateral contraction of the lateral pterygoid muscles draws the articular heads and disks forward.

• Lateral pterygoid muscle

  Bilateral contraction of the lateral pterygoid muscles draws the articular heads and disks forward.

• Medial pterygoid muscle

  Bilateral contraction of the lateral pterygoid muscles draws the articular heads and disks forward.

• I find it difficult to answer

  Bilateral contraction of the lateral pterygoid muscles draws the articular heads and disks forward.

3. In which part of the temporomandibular joint do hinge (rotational) movements occur?

• In the upper compartment of the joint

  Rotational movements around the frontal axis predominantly occur in the lower (disk-mandibular) compartment of the joint.

• In the lower compartment of the joint

  Rotational movements around the frontal axis predominantly occur in the lower (disk-mandibular) compartment of the joint.

• Simultaneously in both compartments equally

  Rotational movements around the frontal axis predominantly occur in the lower (disk-mandibular) compartment of the joint.

• In the retrodiscal space

  Rotational movements around the frontal axis predominantly occur in the lower (disk-mandibular) compartment of the joint.

• I find it difficult to answer

  Rotational movements around the frontal axis predominantly occur in the lower (disk-mandibular) compartment of the joint.

4. Which muscle retracts the mandible backward (retraction)?

• Anterior belly of the digastric muscle.

  Posterior (horizontal) fibers of the temporalis muscle facilitate mandible retraction.

• Lateral pterygoid muscle

  Posterior (horizontal) fibers of the temporalis muscle facilitate mandible retraction.

• Deep part of the masseter muscle

  Posterior (horizontal) fibers of the temporalis muscle facilitate mandible retraction.

• Posterior fibers of the temporalis muscle

  Posterior (horizontal) fibers of the temporalis muscle facilitate mandible retraction.

• I find it difficult to answer

  Posterior (horizontal) fibers of the temporalis muscle facilitate mandible retraction.

5. Which nerve provides the primary sensory innervation to the capsule of the temporomandibular joint?

• Auriculotemporal nerve

  The auriculotemporal nerve (branch of the mandibular nerve) innervates the posterior and lateral compartments of the joint capsule.

• Buccal nerve

  The auriculotemporal nerve (branch of the mandibular nerve) innervates the posterior and lateral compartments of the joint capsule.

• Facial nerve

  The auriculotemporal nerve (branch of the mandibular nerve) innervates the posterior and lateral compartments of the joint capsule.

• Glossopharyngeal nerve

  The auriculotemporal nerve (branch of the mandibular nerve) innervates the posterior and lateral compartments of the joint capsule.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The auriculotemporal nerve (branch of the mandibular nerve) innervates the posterior and lateral compartments of the joint capsule.

6. Which arteries contribute the most to the blood supply of the temporomandibular joint?

• Facial and lingual arteries

  The blood supply is mainly derived from branches of the external carotid artery: the superficial temporal and maxillary arteries.

• Ascending pharyngeal and occipital arteries

  The blood supply is mainly derived from branches of the external carotid artery: the superficial temporal and maxillary arteries.

• Superficial temporal and maxillary arteries.

  The blood supply is mainly derived from branches of the external carotid artery: the superficial temporal and maxillary arteries.

• Internal carotid and ophthalmic arteries

  The blood supply is mainly derived from branches of the external carotid artery: the superficial temporal and maxillary arteries.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The blood supply is mainly derived from branches of the external carotid artery: the superficial temporal and maxillary arteries.

7. Which ligament of the temporomandibular joint limits backward mandible movement, protecting the external auditory meatus?

• Sphenomandibular ligament

  The lateral (temporomandibular) ligament prevents excessive posterior displacement of the articular head.

• Lateral ligament

  The lateral (temporomandibular) ligament prevents excessive posterior displacement of the articular head.

• Stylomandibular ligament

  The lateral (temporomandibular) ligament prevents excessive posterior displacement of the articular head.

• Pterygospinous ligament

  The lateral (temporomandibular) ligament prevents excessive posterior displacement of the articular head.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The lateral (temporomandibular) ligament prevents excessive posterior displacement of the articular head.

8. Where does the superior head of the lateral pterygoid muscle attach?

• To the angle of the mandible

  The superior head of the lateral pterygoid muscle blends into the joint capsule and the anterior edge of the articular disk.

• To the coronoid process

  The superior head of the lateral pterygoid muscle blends into the joint capsule and the anterior edge of the articular disk.

• To the styloid process

  The superior head of the lateral pterygoid muscle blends into the joint capsule and the anterior edge of the articular disk.

• To the capsule and articular disk of the temporomandibular joint

  The superior head of the lateral pterygoid muscle blends into the joint capsule and the anterior edge of the articular disk.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The superior head of the lateral pterygoid muscle blends into the joint capsule and the anterior edge of the articular disk.

9. To which type of joints based on the number of rotational axes does the temporomandibular joint belong?

• Polyaxial (Three-axis)

  The TMJ functions as a polyaxial joint, allowing movements in three planes (vertical, sagittal, frontal).

• Uniaxial

  The TMJ functions as a polyaxial joint, allowing movements in three planes (vertical, sagittal, frontal).

• Biaxial

  The TMJ functions as a polyaxial joint, allowing movements in three planes (vertical, sagittal, frontal).

• Flat (amphiarthrosis)

  The TMJ functions as a polyaxial joint, allowing movements in three planes (vertical, sagittal, frontal).

• I find it difficult to answer

  The TMJ functions as a polyaxial joint, allowing movements in three planes (vertical, sagittal, frontal).

10. Which of the following muscles is involved in depressing the mandible?

• Masseter muscle

  The mylohyoid muscle, when the hyoid bone is fixed, lowers the mandible.

• Medial pterygoid muscle

  The mylohyoid muscle, when the hyoid bone is fixed, lowers the mandible.

• Mylohyoid muscle

  The mylohyoid muscle, when the hyoid bone is fixed, lowers the mandible.

• Temporalis muscle

  The mylohyoid muscle, when the hyoid bone is fixed, lowers the mandible.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The mylohyoid muscle, when the hyoid bone is fixed, lowers the mandible.

11. Where is the venous drainage from the temporomandibular joint directed?

• Into the facial vein.

  Venous blood from joint structures predominantly drains into the pterygoid venous plexus and retromandibular vein.

• Into the pterygoid venous plexus

  Venous blood from joint structures predominantly drains into the pterygoid venous plexus and retromandibular vein.

• Into the internal jugular vein.

  Venous blood from joint structures predominantly drains into the pterygoid venous plexus and retromandibular vein.

• Into the cavernous sinus.

  Venous blood from joint structures predominantly drains into the pterygoid venous plexus and retromandibular vein.

• I find it difficult to answer

  Venous blood from joint structures predominantly drains into the pterygoid venous plexus and retromandibular vein.

12. Which anatomical structure is located directly posterior to the temporomandibular joint?

• Pterygopalatine fossa

  The articular fossa is posteriorly limited by the tympanic part of the temporal bone, which separates the joint from the external acoustic meatus.

• Mammillary process

  The articular fossa is posteriorly limited by the tympanic part of the temporal bone, which separates the joint from the external acoustic meatus.

• Zygomatic arch

  The articular fossa is posteriorly limited by the tympanic part of the temporal bone, which separates the joint from the external acoustic meatus.

• External acoustic meatus

  The articular fossa is posteriorly limited by the tympanic part of the temporal bone, which separates the joint from the external acoustic meatus.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The articular fossa is posteriorly limited by the tympanic part of the temporal bone, which separates the joint from the external acoustic meatus.

13. Where does the medial pterygoid muscle originate?

• From the pterygoid fossa of the sphenoid bone

  The medial pterygoid muscle originates in the pterygoid fossa of the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone.

• From the infratemporal crest

  The medial pterygoid muscle originates in the pterygoid fossa of the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone.

• From the zygomatic arch.

  The medial pterygoid muscle originates in the pterygoid fossa of the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone.

• From the mastoid process

  The medial pterygoid muscle originates in the pterygoid fossa of the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The medial pterygoid muscle originates in the pterygoid fossa of the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone.

14. Which part of the articular disk of the temporomandibular joint is the thinnest and avascular?

• Anterior zone

  The central (intermediate) zone of the disk is the thinnest, devoid of blood vessels and nerve endings.

• Posterior zone

  The central (intermediate) zone of the disk is the thinnest, devoid of blood vessels and nerve endings.

• Intermediate zone (central part)

  The central (intermediate) zone of the disk is the thinnest, devoid of blood vessels and nerve endings.

• Bilaminar zone

  The central (intermediate) zone of the disk is the thinnest, devoid of blood vessels and nerve endings.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The central (intermediate) zone of the disk is the thinnest, devoid of blood vessels and nerve endings.

15. The masticatory nerve, which innervates its namesake muscle and the TMJ capsule, is a branch of which nerve?

• Ophthalmic nerve

  The masticatory nerve branches off from the motor root of the mandibular nerve (V3) — the third branch of the trigeminal nerve.

• Mandibular nerve

  The masticatory nerve branches off from the motor root of the mandibular nerve (V3) — the third branch of the trigeminal nerve.

• Maxillary nerve

  The masticatory nerve branches off from the motor root of the mandibular nerve (V3) — the third branch of the trigeminal nerve.

• Facial nerve

  The masticatory nerve branches off from the motor root of the mandibular nerve (V3) — the third branch of the trigeminal nerve.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The masticatory nerve branches off from the motor root of the mandibular nerve (V3) — the third branch of the trigeminal nerve.

16. What is the retrodiscal pad (bilaminar zone) of the temporomandibular joint?

• Region of dense bone tissue

  The bilaminar zone is richly vascularized and innervated, consisting of loose connective tissue, providing nutrition.

• Pouch with synovial fluid

  The bilaminar zone is richly vascularized and innervated, consisting of loose connective tissue, providing nutrition.

• Thickening of the lateral ligament

  The bilaminar zone is richly vascularized and innervated, consisting of loose connective tissue, providing nutrition.

• Plexus of blood vessels and nerves in loose connective tissue

  The bilaminar zone is richly vascularized and innervated, consisting of loose connective tissue, providing nutrition.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The bilaminar zone is richly vascularized and innervated, consisting of loose connective tissue, providing nutrition.

17. What movement occurs in the upper compartment of the temporomandibular joint during mouth opening?

• Sliding of the articular head and disk over the articular eminence

  In the upper joint space, translational movements occur — sliding of the head along with the disk forward onto the articular eminence.

• Rotation of the articular head around the frontal axis

  In the upper joint space, translational movements occur — sliding of the head along with the disk forward onto the articular eminence.

• Rotation of the articular head around the vertical axis

  In the upper joint space, translational movements occur — sliding of the head along with the disk forward onto the articular eminence.

• Rigid fixation of the disk in the fossa

  In the upper joint space, translational movements occur — sliding of the head along with the disk forward onto the articular eminence.

• I find it difficult to answer

  In the upper joint space, translational movements occur — sliding of the head along with the disk forward onto the articular eminence.

18. The sphenomandibular ligament attaches to:

• Condyle process

  The sphenomandibular ligament extends from the spine of the sphenoid bone to the lingula of the mandible.

• Coronoid process

  The sphenomandibular ligament extends from the spine of the sphenoid bone to the lingula of the mandible.

• Lingula of the mandible

  The sphenomandibular ligament extends from the spine of the sphenoid bone to the lingula of the mandible.

• Angle of the mandible

  The sphenomandibular ligament extends from the spine of the sphenoid bone to the lingula of the mandible.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The sphenomandibular ligament extends from the spine of the sphenoid bone to the lingula of the mandible.

19. Which muscle causes lateral shift (lateralotrusion) of the mandible during unilateral contraction?

• Lateral pterygoid muscle of the same side

  During unilateral contraction, the lateral pterygoid muscle shifts the mandible to the opposite side.

• Lateral pterygoid muscle of the opposite side

  During unilateral contraction, the lateral pterygoid muscle shifts the mandible to the opposite side.

• Digastric muscle

  During unilateral contraction, the lateral pterygoid muscle shifts the mandible to the opposite side.

• Temporalis muscle of the opposite side

  During unilateral contraction, the lateral pterygoid muscle shifts the mandible to the opposite side.

• I find it difficult to answer

  During unilateral contraction, the lateral pterygoid muscle shifts the mandible to the opposite side.

20. Where does the masseter muscle (m. masseter) attach?

• To the lingula of the mandible

  The masseter muscle attaches to the masticatory tuberosity on the external surface of the angle of the mandible.

• To the pterygoid fossa

  The masseter muscle attaches to the masticatory tuberosity on the external surface of the angle of the mandible.

• To the mental spine

  The masseter muscle attaches to the masticatory tuberosity on the external surface of the angle of the mandible.

• To the masseteric tuberosity at the angle of the mandible

  The masseter muscle attaches to the masticatory tuberosity on the external surface of the angle of the mandible.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The masseter muscle attaches to the masticatory tuberosity on the external surface of the angle of the mandible.