The condylus of the temporomandibular joint (100X)

The temporomandibular joint is divided into to separate chambers, the upper- and lower joint cavity, by the articular disc (lat: discus articularis). The codylus is also covered with thick, fibrous tissue. The purpose is to withstand the forces laid upon the joint by the masticatory muscles and mandibular articulation.

Different zones of hyaline cartilage can be seen below the fibrous tissue. This is where the ramus of the mandible grows lengthwise. Below the hyaline cartilage, one can see the spicules of bone in the condylus. It contains erythropoietic bone marrow.