The microanatomy of the rhesus monkey temporomandibular joint

Purpose: The objective of this study was to describe and compare the histology of the rhesus monkey temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with that of the human joint. Materials and Methods: Seventeen rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) with an age range from 4 to 11 years were used. Both TMJs of the first animal and the left TMJs of the remaining 16 animals were used for this study. The joint specimens were sectioned sagittally and processed for light and electron microscopic studies. Results: The rhesus monkey TMJ consists of the condylar, glenoid fossa, and articular disc components. The histology of these components is described at the light and electron microscopic level. Conclusions: The monkey TMJ was found to be anatomically similar to the human joint. It was concluded that the rhesus monkey is one of the most suitable animal models for studies involving the TMJ. © 2001 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons