Temporomandibular Joint — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateAnatomy (Head & Neck)Temporomandibular JointMFDS Part 1

The articular disc divides each temporomandibular joint into upper and lower synovial compartments. During mouth opening, rotation occurs predominantly in the lower compartment and translation in the upper compartment. Which classification best describes this joint?

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Correct answer: E — Compound synovial ginglymoarthrodial joint

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · E = shown as C · C = shown as D · A = shown as E

The correct answer is A. The temporomandibular joint is a compound synovial ginglymoarthrodial joint: “ginglymoid” denotes its hinge-like rotational movement, principally in the lower joint compartment, while “arthrodial” denotes translation or gliding, principally in the upper compartment. The articular disc separates these two synovial compartments. It is therefore not a simple hinge joint (E), because normal mandibular movement includes substantial translation as well as rotation. Fibrous syndesmoses (B) are united by fibrous connective tissue, while synchondroses (C) and symphyses (D) are cartilaginous joints; none permits the characteristic combined synovial movements of the TMJ.

Reference: Maini K, Dua A. Temporomandibular Syndrome, section 'Temporomandibular Joint Anatomy'. StatPearls [Internet], 2026 edition; chapter updated 30 January 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31869076/