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Surface structure of the temporomandibular joint in normal and steroid-treated rats: a scanning electron microscopic study.

The aim was to study the ultrastructure of the surface of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in mature rats. The TMJs from control rats and rats given corticosteroids for 10 days or 38 days were examined. In three joints from the control rats the disk was detached from the condyle before preparation and analysis. Scanning electron microscopy was performed on the condyle, the disk, and the temporal component. Generally, the surface of the three components was predominantly smooth, although the condyle exhibited a more even surface than the disk and the temporal component. In the fossa a pitted or ridged appearance was observed in some areas. There was a striking difference between the surface structure of disks attached to, and that of disks detached from, the condyle during preparation. A prominent undulation of surface was evident in disks detached from the condyle. Below the surface layer of the articular cartilage, a network of collagen fibers and fibrils running in all directions could be observed in all three components. In limited areas there was fibrillation and shallow defects of the surface layer. These changes were seen in all rats given corticosteroids for 38 days but also in some rats given corticosteroids for 10 days and in a few control rats.