THE MORPHOLOGICAL AND FUNCTIONAL CHANGES OF THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT AFTER REMOVAL OF THE MOLARS OF THE RATS——A HISTOLOGIC,TRANSMISSION AND SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY / 解剖学报

ABSTRACT

After removal of unilateral molars in the rats,the changes in the articularcartilage and articular disc of the temporomandibular joint and HRP uptake of thelining cells of synovial membrane were observed with light,transmission and scanningmicroscopy.The HRP uptake activity of the lining cells was lowered and degenerative chan-ges were presented in ths articular cartilages following the removal of the molars.It is suggested that the temporomandibular joint is intimately integrated with theocclusion of the upper and lower teeth.Defect of the teeth on one side mayinduce occlusion disorders.These will certainly cause some changes of the structureand function of the temporomandibular joint.