A study on morphology and morphometry of mandibular fossa.

Introduction: The mandibular fossa is the depression in the temporal bone that articulates with the head of the mandible. In the temporal bone, the mandibular fossa is bounded anteriorly by the articular tubercle and posteriorly by the tympanic portion of the temporal bone, which separates it from external acoustic meatus. Mandibular fossa performs an important role in the act of mastication. As a part of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), together with the articular tubercle and mandibular condyle, they become responsible for opening (depression of the mandible) and closing (elevation of the mandible) the mouth, as well as for moving it forward (protraction), backward (retraction), and side to side. Hence, the aim of the research is to study about the morphology and morphometry of mandibular fossa. Materials and Methods: Dry human skulls were obtained from the Department of Anatomy, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai. The mandibular fossa was measured by taking its length, breadth, and height using digital Vernier calipers in millimeters. Results: Length, breadth, and height of mandibular fossa of 40 skulls were measured, and their mean values were taken as follows: (a) Average height (mm) - 6.8, (b) average breadth (mm) - 15.0, and (c) average length (mm) - 20.9. Conclusion: The morphometry of mandibular fossa gives a clear orientation of the intra-articular topography. Thorough knowledge of the dimensions of the fossa is helpful in treating several temporomandibular joint-related problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]