Question

I'm going to feeling for any lumps or tenderness in your face. Does this hurt? Now I'm going to check your sinuses. Does this hurt?(press up under eyebrows) How about this (press up under zygomatic). Let's check your to see that your jaw is working smoothly (press at TMJ). Good, I don't feel any clicking or crepitus and your jaw opens smoothly.

Answer 1

The initial movement of the mandible during mouth opening at the TMJ is a downwards hinging motion, followed by an anterior glide that significantly contributes to mouth opening capacity. TMJ disorders can impede jaw functions, requiring various treatments.

Step-by-step explanation:

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is crucial for the movement of the jaw, allowing opening (mandibular depression) and closing (mandibular elevation) of the mouth, among other motions. The initial movement during the opening of the mouth at the TMJ is a downwards hinging motion of the mandible, which is immediately followed by an anterior gliding motion of the condyle and the articular disc from the mandibular fossa onto the articular tubercle. This action provides a considerable amount of the mouth's opening capacity. TMJ disorders can cause various symptoms such as headache, difficulty chewing, and mouth opening difficulties, necessitating treatments including pharmacologic agents or bite guards.