Anatomy of the temporomandibular joint in the cat: a study by microdissection, cryosection and vascular injection

Abstract

The minute anatomy of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is of great clinical relevance in cats owing to a high number of lesions involving this articulation. However, the precise anatomy is poorly documented in textbooks and scientific articles. The aim of this study was to describe, in detail, the TMJ anatomy and its relationship with other adjacent anatomical structures in the cat. Different anatomical preparations, including vascular and articular injection, microdissection, cryosection and plastination, were performed in 12 cadaveric cats. All TMJ anatomical structures were identified and described in detail. A thorough understanding of the TMJ anatomy is essential to understand the clinical signs associated with TMJ disorders, to locate lesions precisely and to accurately interpret the results in all diagnostic imaging techniques.

Characterization of the Arterial Anatomy of the Murine Hindlimb: Functional Role in the Design and Understanding of Ischemia Models

“…We dilated and fixed arteries after perfusion with red-colored resin [32], [33]. Furthermore, veins and fat tissue were removed whenever possible to facilitate the viewing of fine arterial structures.…”

Maxillofacial Injuries and Diseases That Cause an Open Mouth in Cats

“…[5][6][7][11][12][13][14][15] Both of these bony prominences are well developed in the cat, which creates a very deep mandibular fossa and normally prevents any movement of the mandibular condyle beyond these prominent bony processes. mandibular fossa is bordered rostrally by the articular eminence and caudally by the retroarticular process.…”

“…mandibular fossa is bordered rostrally by the articular eminence and caudally by the retroarticular process. [5][6][7][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] The disc attaches around its entire periphery to the joint capsule which creates two separate articular spaces. 12 The TMJ is a condylar synovial joint, that is separated into a dorsal and ventral compartment by a thin articular disk.…”

“…[5][6][7][11][12][13][14][15] Both of these bony prominences are well developed in the cat, which creates a very deep mandibular fossa and normally prevents any movement of the mandibular condyle beyond these prominent bony processes. 15 Normally, when the mouth is opened, the medial aspect of the mandibular condyle is seated firmly in the mandibular fossa. [5][6][7][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] The disc attaches around its entire periphery to the joint capsule which creates two separate articular spaces.…”

“…[5][6][7][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] The disc attaches around its entire periphery to the joint capsule which creates two separate articular spaces. 15,18 A caudal capsular reinforcement has also been demonstrated in the cat. 18 The lateral aspect of the joint capsule is thickened in cats and tenses at maximum jaw opening which functions to limit lateral motion of the condyle.…”