Articular disc of temporomandibular joint

The **articular disc of the temporomandibular joint** is a biconcave, fibrocartilaginous structure that separates the mandibular condyle from the temporal bone within the TMJ. It serves as a **shock absorber**, enables smooth jaw movement, and divides the joint cavity into upper (translational movement) and lower (rotational movement) compartments. The disc is composed of tough, flexible fibrocartilage, lacks nerve and vascular supply in its center, and is attached to the joint capsule and related muscles. Damage or displacement of the disc is a primary cause of temporomandibular joint disorders, leading to pain, inflammation, and restricted movement[1][4][6][7]. **Key context:** - The articular disc is an *anatomic structure*, not a protein, enzyme, or receptor, and thus is not considered a conventional druggable or molecular target[1][4][5][7]. - It is frequently termed the "TMJ disc" or "meniscus of TMJ" in clinical and radiological contexts[4][5][8]. - Its primary functions are mechanical—not signaling, metabolic, or regulatory at the molecular level. - Disorders arise when the disc is displaced or damaged, creating clinical relevance but not as a molecular target for drugs. **Note:** Because the "articular disc of temporomandibular joint" is an anatomic fibrocartilaginous structure and not a molecular entity (receptor, enzyme, transporter, etc.), it does **not fit the definition of a standard therapeutic target**. The entry is therefore classified as **is_target: false** and **is_incorrect: true** with respect to molecular/therapeutic target databases.

Other names

Temporomandibular joint discTMJ discarticular meniscus of TMJmeniscus of TMJ