| Abstract: | In the human temporomandibular joints of 14 Japanese cadavers, we observed a new retinacular ligament that connected to the retrodiskal pad posterolaterally and was accompanied by a vein draining the retrodiskal pad. This retinacular ligament originated from lateral to posterolateral part of the joint. The origin included the articular tubercle of the zygomatic process of the temporal bone. The ligament descended along the mandibular ramus to insert into the fascia of the masseter muscle at the mandibular angle. The vein originated from the venous plexus in the retrodiskal pad and ran parallel to the retinacular ligament, giving off branches to the retromandibular, transverse facial, and superfacial temporal veins. There were no remarkable differences in the size of the retinacular ligaments among individuals as well as between the left and right sides. The retinacular ligament had firm fibrous connections with the posterolateral part of the retrodiskal pad, where the external fibrous membrane of the articular capsule was lacking. These findings suggest that the retinacular ligament and its accompanying vein function together to maintain blood circulation during jaw movement and may also be related to the development of occlusal disorders. © 1995 WiIey-Liss, Inc. |
