Remarks on the morphology of the human temporomandibular joint in the fetal period

Skeletons of human fetuses of different ages allow the study of the considerable transformations of the mandibular joint and the mandible in this relative short stage of life. The condyle is anchored in the mandible by a conical process. The tip of this cone extends to the anlage of the 2nd milk molar. The conical process can be recognized macroscopically up to newborn age. It can also be identified by modern imaging methods. The cone can be well distinguished from the surrounding bone of the mandible. The mandibular joints of fetuses in the 31st, the 32nd, the 39th week and of a newborn were dissected, removed, and histologically investigated. The conical process of the condyle was clearly observed. The cartilage on the condyle is characterised by a layered structure which is typical for a center of growth. In the cartilage of young fetuses, blood vessels were found, reaching from the trabecular bone to the articular space. At this stage of life, blood vessels are also present in the central part of the discus articularis.