The significance of vertical dimension in prosthetic dentistry

2. The condyle of the mandible consists of a rounded, elliptical, bony head with a neck which is usually tilted forward. The upper and anterior surface of the condyle in centric occlusion articulates with the posterior surface of the articular eminence. Articular cartilage covers the surface of this condyle. 3. The articular disc or meniscus is an oval structure which is a relatively thin plate of fibrocartilage. Its lower surface is concave and its upper surface is convex conforming to the shape of the structures it approximates. 4. The two synovial membranes or sacs are placed one above and one below the articular disc. The superior membrane, which is the larger and looser of the two, extends from the inferior of the mandibular fossa and articular eminence onto the superior surface of the disc. The inferior membrane passes from the inferior surface of the disc onto the neck of the condyle.