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TMJ Disc Anatomy — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateAnatomy (Head & Neck)TMJ Disc AnatomyMFDS Part 1

Which option correctly pairs each compartment created by the temporomandibular joint articular disc with its boundaries and principal movement?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Superior (disc–temporal bone): translation; inferior (disc–condyle): rotation

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

The articular disc divides the TMJ into superior and inferior synovial compartments. The superior compartment lies between the disc and the mandibular fossa/articular eminence of the temporal bone; translation or gliding occurs principally here. The inferior compartment lies between the disc and the mandibular condyle and principally permits hinge-like rotation. Therefore, A correctly pairs both the boundaries and movements. B reverses the anatomical relationships and movements. Anterior–posterior, medial–lateral and internal–external are not the names of the two disc-defined joint compartments, so C, D and E are incorrect.

Reference: Whyte A, Boeddinghaus R, Bartley A, Vijeyaendra R. Imaging of the temporomandibular joint. Clinical Radiology. 2021;76(1):76.e21–76.e35. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32709388/