[Reconsideration of the bilaminar zone in the retrodiscal connective tissue of the TMJ. 1. Relation between discal fiber and the condyle and components around the disk].

The fibrous connection of the discal attachment to the condyle and to the other structures around the disk was investigated histologically in order to reconfirm what Rees calls the bilaminar zone. Eleven TMJs were taken from fresh cadavers. Sections, obtained from six materials with condyle protruded, were observed. The Results were as follows: Most of the collagen fibers composing the articular disk attached to the area from the medial and lateral pole to the corner region of the posterior aspect of the condyle. But these fibers were not recognized on the posterior aspect of the condyle. A few of the fiber bundles composing the supra-lateral part of the disk were linked with the fibers of the periosteum of the lateral end of the articular tubercle. The fibers of the superficial layer of the posterior band linked with the fibers beneath the synovial membrane of the retrodiscal area, but these fibers were not observed to connect the disk with the posterior wall of the fossa. At the medial end of the disk, the elastin rich fibers originating from the petrotympanic fissure attached to the disk. There were no other fibrous structures directly connecting the disk with the posterior wall of the fossa.