Histomorphological Variations of the Human Articular Disc of the Temporomandibular Joint: An Autopsy Study

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 137–148

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/000179

Article Type: Original Research Article

Title: Histomorphological Variations of the Human Articular Disc of the Temporomandibular Joint: An Autopsy Study

Names of Authors: Chinedu O. Ezemba¹, Fatima Z. Abubakar²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; ²Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria

Abstract:
The human temporomandibular joint (TMJ) articular disc plays a key role in dissipation of mechanical loads during mastication. This study characterized the regional histomorphological profiles and structural arrangements of collagen fibers within the TMJ disc across various age groups. Thirty-two articular discs were harvested from sixteen fresh cadaveric autopsies (aged 24 to 68 years) with no prior medical history of temporomandibular disorders. The discs were divided into anterior, intermediate, and posterior bands, sectioned sagittally, and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), Verhoeff’s Van Gieson, and Alcian Blue. Microscopic evaluation revealed that the intermediate zone was predominantly avascular and rich in dense, anteroposteriorly oriented Type I collagen fiber bundles, mixed with a high density of chondrocyte-like cells (mean count: 142 ± 12 cells/mm²). In contrast, the anterior and posterior bands exhibited a multi-directional meshwork of collagen fibers interspersed with thin elastic fibers and blood vessels. Specimens from donors aged over 55 years demonstrated a significant accumulation of sulfated glycosaminoglycans within the intermediate band (p < 0.05) alongside focal fiber splitting and matrix disorganization. These structural variations indicate that regional tissue specialization within the TMJ disc changes over time, with the intermediate zone exhibiting traits optimized for high mechanical compressive stress, while showing clear microstructural vulnerability to long-term wear.

Keywords: Temporomandibular Joint, Articular Disc, Histomorphology, Collagen Fibers, Chondrocytes, Autopsy

Manuscript Timeline: Received: June 18, 2026; Revised: August 01, 2026; Accepted: August 18, 2026; Published: September 02, 2026

Citation: Ezemba C.O., & Abubakar F.Z. (2026). Histomorphological Variations of the Human Articular Disc of the Temporomandibular Joint: An Autopsy Study. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology, 15(9), 137–148. DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/000179

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