부산대학교 도서관

Mastication is the first step in digestive system, which uses the temporomandibular joint to crush food and promote saliva production, forming bolus. In order to make bolus, the movement of temporomandibular joint and the action of masticatory muscles are necessary. The temporomandibular joint is a complicated synovial joint formed between the mandibular fossa of temporal and articular process of mandible, and is one of the most commonly used joints in the human body. The articular disc in temporomandibular joint divide into the superior articular space and inferior articular space, and different functional movements are possible for each space. In the superior articular space, mandibular fossa of temporal bone and articular disc are articulated to allow gliding movement. In the inferior articular space, articular process of mandible and articular disc are articulated to occur hinge movement. Masticatory muscles move the mandible to mash food, consists of temporalis, masseter, medial pterygoid and lateral pterygoid. Through these muscles, movements of elevation, depression, protrusion, retrusion, and lateral excursion are possible. In addition, mandible move through gravity, and also suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscle assist in movement of mandible.