(2000), Benigno et al., studied the alterations in the bilaminar zone of TMJ, in young adults and elders, and verified alterations of collagen and elastic fibers in the different age groups, in which they observed morphological alterations in the collagen fibers of elders.
The author's previous study (Benigno et al.) showed that the bilaminar zone of the human temporomandibular joint (TMJ), a component of stomatognatic system presents morphological alterations when compared qualitatively structure in young individuals (toothed) and those elderly (edentulous).
The structure of the bilaminar zone in the human temporomandibular joint: a light and scanning electron microscopy study in young and elderly subjects.
The disc is attached to the temporal bone and condyle posteriorly by elastic and loose connective tissue; this tissue is also known as the retrodiscal soft tissue or the
bilaminar zone. The lateral pterygoid muscle, the only muscle of mastication serving to open the jaw, inserts on the mandibular condyle inferior to the articular surface but can partially insert on the joint capsule and disc as well.
Histologic appearance of the bilaminar zone in internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint.
The depiction of the bilaminar zone of the temporomandibular joint by magnetic resonance imaging.
Immunolocalization andexpression of lubricin in the bilaminar zone of the human temporomandibularjoint disc.
Posteriorly, the bilaminar zone attaches the disk and capsule to the condyle and temporal bone.
As the fibers of the posterior bilaminar zone loosen, the disk no longer reduces.
The earliest finding is often T2 hyperintensity in the bilaminar zone. Disk degeneration is reflected as desiccation or loss of signal that is typically intermediate on T1-weighted images and hyperintense on T2-weighted images.
Bilaminar zone: Anatomical aspects, irrigation, and innervation.
Immunolocalization and expression of lubricin in the
bilaminar zone of the human temporomandibular joint disc.