Deck 29: Temporomandibular Joint

Question 1

The synovial fluid prevents dislocation of the TMJ components because its lubricating qualities allow surfaces to rub over one another without irritation.

A) Both the statement and the reason are correct and related.
B) Both the statement and the reason are correct but are NOT related.
C) The statement is correct, but the reason is NOT correct.
D) The statement is NOT correct, but the reason is correct.
E) NEITHER the statement NOR the reason is correct.

Answer 1

D
Synovial fluid, a lubricating liquid secreted by the epithelial lining of the synovial cavities, allows surfaces to rub over each other without irritation.

Question 2

The contraction of the lateral pterygoid muscle

A) Elevates the mandible
B) Retracts the mandible
C) Moves the condyle forward
D) Moves the condyle posteriorly

Answer 2

C
During the gliding phase of opening the mouth additional forward movement of the condyle is caused by contraction of the inferior head of the lateral pterygoid muscle.

Question 3

The slope of bone anterior to the mandibular fossa is the

A) Synovial cavity
B) Posterior tubercle
C) Coronoid process
D) Articular eminence

Answer 3

D
The articular eminence is the slope of temporal bone in front of the mandibular fossa. Synovial cavities are small saclike compartments situated above and below the articular disc. The posterior tubercle, also a portion of the temporal, is behind the mandibular fossa. The coronoid process is the bony projection at the upper anterior ramus of the mandible.

Question 4

The inferior surface of the articular disc is concave in shape. The superior surface is flat with a slightly bulging surface.

A) Both statements are true.
B) The first statement is true; the second is false.
C) The first statement is false; the second is true.
D) Both statements are false.

Question 5

The entire TMJ is surrounded by a thin epithelial capsule. The temporomandibular ligament is a thickening on the medial side of this capsule.

A) Both statements are true.
B) The first statement is true; the second is false.
C) The first statement is false; the second is true.
D) Both statements are false.

Question 6

The gliding movement of the TMJ occurs along the anterior slope of the articular eminence. Specifically, this gliding movement occurs between the articular disc and the articular surface of the temporal bone.

A) Both statements are true.
B) The first statement is true; the second is false.
C) The first statement is false; the second is true.
D) Both statements are false.

Question 7

If the condyle moves too far anteriorly (during typical functions), it may move to the height of the articular eminence. This movement frequently causes difficulty in opening the mouth.

A) Both statements are true.
B) The first statement is true; the second is false.
C) The first statement is false; the second is true.
D) Both statements are false.

Question 8

Each of the following is an osseus structure of the TMJ EXCEPT one. Which is the EXCEPTION?

A) Mandibular fossa
B) Condyle
C) Articular disc
D) Articular eminence

Question 9

Injury to the medial and lateral attachments to the articular disc rarely causes pain because these areas do not have nerve supply.

A) Both the statement and the reason are correct and related.
B) Both the statement and the reason are correct but are NOT related.
C) The statement is correct, but the reason is NOT correct.
D) The statement is NOT correct, but the reason is correct.
E) NEITHER the statement NOR the reason is correct.

Question 10

The temporomandibular ligament helps prevent displacement of the condyle in each of the following directions EXCEPT one. Which is the EXCEPTION?

A) Lateral
B) Posterior
C) Inferior
D) Rotational

Question 11

The temporomandibular ligament is

A) An internal thickening of the medial side of the capsule
B) An internal thickening of the lateral side of the capsule
C) Attached to the articular tubercle and the medial side of the neck of the condyle
D) Attached to the posterior border of the ramus

Question 12

The TMJ has three distinct types of movement. They are rotational, gliding, and subluxating.

A) Both statements are true.
B) The first statement is true; the second is false.
C) The first statement is false; the second is true.
D) Both statements are false.

Question 13

Bruxism can wear down the teeth if it occurs over a long period of time. The more immediate result of bruxism is the inability to close the mouth when it has been opened very wide.

A) Both statements are true.
B) The first statement is true; the second is false.
C) The first statement is false; the second is true.
D) Both statements are false.

Question 14

The articular disc is a fibrous pad of which tissue type?

A) Collagen
B) Elastic
C) Epithelial
D) Calcified

Question 15

The mandibular fossa is located on the

A) Posterior surface of the temporal bone
B) Inferior surface of the temporal bone
C) Anterior medial surface of the condyle
D) Posterior superior surface of the condyle

Question 16

The retrodiscal pad has very little nutritive supply because it is composed of dense connective tissue that lacks blood and nerve supply.

A) Both the statement and the reason are correct and related.
B) Both the statement and the reason are correct but are NOT related.
C) The statement is correct, but the reason is NOT correct.
D) The statement is NOT correct, but the reason is correct.
E) NEITHER the statement NOR the reason is correct.

Question 17

The thickened area surrounding the articular disc is called the temporomandibular ligament. This ligament provides some resistance to lateral displacement.

A) Both statements are true.
B) The first statement is true; the second is false.
C) The first statement is false; the second is true.
D) Both statements are false.

Question 18

Generally, popping and clicking noises in the TMJ area are a result of arthritic changes. These noises can be heard with the aid of a stethoscope.

A) Both statements are true.
B) The first statement is true; the second is false.
C) The first statement is false; the second is true.
D) Both statements are false.

Question 19

If the condyle glides too far forward, it may be unable to move back into its normal position. When this occurs, the clinician can physically push the mandible down and posteriorly, away from the articular eminence.

A) Both statements are true.
B) The first statement is true; the second is false.
C) The first statement is false; the second is true.
D) Both statements are false.

Question 20

The intermediate zone is the thin middle area of the articular disc. The thick posterior area of the articular disc is called the posterior zone.

A) Both statements are true.
B) The first statement is true; the second is false.
C) The first statement is false; the second is true.
D) Both statements are false.

Question 21

The articular disc is loosely attached to the condyle and the mandibular fossa.

Question 22

Subluxation occurs when the mandible is opened wide.

Question 23

The mandibular fossa is the area between the condyle and the coronoid process.

Question 24

Referred pain is pain perceived at a location other than the site of the painful stimulus. Pain of this nature almost always originates in a nearby structure.

A) Both statements are true.
B) The first statement is true; the second is false.
C) The first statement is false; the second is true.
D) Both statements are false.

Question 25

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) has one synovial cavity.

Question 26

The retrodiscal pad lies between the two posterior lamina of the disc.

Question 27

Which of the following accurately describe the area immediately surrounding the temporomandibular joint (select all that apply)?

A) The entire TMJ is surrounded by a thick fibrous capsule.
B) The lateral side of the capsule is thickened between the articular tubercle and the condyle.
C) The temporomandibular ligament is a thickening on the lateral side of the capsule.
D) The condyle is displaced medially by the temporomandibular ligament.
E) The temporomandibular ligament provides some resistance to lateral displacement.

Question 28

Nightguards are MOST often prescribed for

A) Malocclusion
B) Bruxism
C) Stress
D) Popping and clicking noises in opening the mouth