Elastic and collagenous fibers in the temporomandibular joint capsule of the rabbit and their functional relevance.

This study deals with the form and function of the temporomandibular joint capsule and compares the histological structure of the capsule and kinetics of condylar and disc movement in rabbit and man. The morphology of the capsule of the jaw joint of the rabbit was studied by means of histological sections of isolated capsules, celloidin sections of decalcified heads, and cryostat sections containing the joint, fixed in jaw open and closed positions. General staining methods and selective methods for elastin and collagen were used. The volume density of the elastic fibers was determined morphometrically. The capsule consists of a portion connecting disc and skull and a portion connecting disc and mandible. The former portion has a fibrous outer layer of dense connective tissue. It contains numerous bundles of specifically oriented collagen but hardly any elastic fibers. Few irregularly arranged elastic fibers are present in the lateral and medial areas of the capsule. In contrast, the portion connecting disc and condylar process contains not only oriented collagen but also large amounts of elastic fibers. Anteriorly, there is a thin elastic band that is stretched greatly at jaw opening. Posteriorly, the capsule takes the appearance of a large fibro-elastic pad that covers the posterior extension of the condyle. This part is somewhat stretched when the jaw is closed. The findings correlate well with the results of jaw movement studies, showing a remarkable capability for condylar protrusion and retrusion. In contrast to the situation in humans, this movement occurs mainly between condyle and disc. It is made possible by the rather tight connections between skull and disc and flexible ones between disc and condyle.