[A macroscopic and microscopic study of the relationship between the superior lateral pterygoid muscle and the disc of the temporomandibular joint].

OBJECTIVE

To find out the relationship between the superior lateral pterygoid muscle (SLP) and the disc of the temporomandibular joint.

METHODS

The cadavers consisted of 47 TMJ specimens from old humans, were used for the macroscopic and microscopic study.

RESULTS

(1) The SLP may insert to the disc, the capsule, the anterior discal attachment of TMJ and to the condyle; (2) On average, 52% of the SLP fibres insert to the condyle, 10% to the articular disc, 24% to the capsule and 14% to the anterior attachment of the disc; (3) There is no association between displacement of disc and the proportion of the SLP insert to the disc; (4) The SLP fibres are jointed into the disc fibres by node or tendon, or jointed and to end.

CONCLUSION

The majority of the SLP inserts to the condyle and the contraction of the little part of the SLP, which insert to the disc, should not result in the anterior displacement of the disc.