Temporomandibular Joint Serial Sections Made with Mandible in Intercuspal Position

Abstract

This article presents a method for preparing block sections of the human temporomandibular joint. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship of the temporomandibular joint components without disturbing the anatomic arrangement of the parts. The mandibles of seven fresh cadavers were locked into a specific occlusal position (intercuspal) throughout all procedures. An acrylic embedding technique allowed serial sections in any plane without displacement or tearing of mineralized and soft tissues. Photographs were obtained using an Olympus transmitted light microscope with various magnifications from 1 X to 40 X.