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The structure of the bilaminar zone in the human temporomandibular joint: a light and scanning electron microscopy study in young and elderly subjects
Author(s) -
Benigno M. I. M.,
Azeredo R. A.,
Lemos J. L. R.,
König Júnior B.,
Liberti E. A.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of oral rehabilitation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.991
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-2842
pISSN - 0305-182X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2842.2001.00683.x
Subject(s) - stratum , anatomy , scanning electron microscope , temporomandibular joint , collagen fibres , connective tissue , materials science , collagen fiber , chemistry , biology , pathology , medicine , composite material , paleontology
The bilaminar zone (BZ) in the human temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of toothed adults (GI) and toothless, elderly humans (GII) were analysed using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In both groups the BZ consists of an upper and a lower stratum of connective tissue separated by a vascularized middle region. The superior stratum contains bundles of collagen fibres disposed in different directions. The fibres are fairly thick and transversely oriented immediately posterior to the TMJ disc. The initial part of the inferior stratum contains curved bundles of collagen fibres oriented anterio‐posteriorly. From the middle to the posterior part of the inferior stratum, the fibres are right‐aligned in GI and clearly sinuous in nature in GII. In both groups, the middle and posterior portions of the middle region are distinguished by the presence of vessels and vascular spaces. Loosely arranged connective and adipose tissues are also evident. The vascular spaces are wider in GII than in GI. The predominance of type I collagen fibres is clear in all regions of the BZ in both groups. The elastic fibres lie parallel to the collagen fibres in both groups and they are thicker and more abundant in GI, apparently decreasing in GII.