Histological studies on the inner surfaces of the articular cavities of human temporomandibular joints with special reference to arthroscopic observations.

Histological findings relating to the arthroscopic anatomical features in the inner surfaces of human temporomandibular joints are described. Articular surface covering the bony surface is histologically fibrocartilage. The articular surface of the articular disk is histologically composed mainly of tightly packed collagen fibers, but partly of fibrocartilage which is considered to be developed in the area where presumably maximal stress is given during the joint movement. The synovial membrane consist of 2 layers. The superficial one is the lining cell layer formed by single or multiple rows of cells with from ovoid to cuboidal shapes. The deep one is a capillary rich loose connective tissue layer. The present study suggests that arthroscopic views well reflect histological features of the inner wall of the articular cavity of the temporomandibular joint.