THE EVOLUTION OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT

*Dr. Bikash Ranjan Das and Dr. Bhupender Kaur

ABSTRACT

Evolution is the dynamic process through which changes occur in genetic structures with resultant changes in phenotypes over time. These changes or addition of new features, which are necessary for the progeny of a species to cope with the environmental factors, bring about the variations seen in animal kingdom. These variations have implications in modern anthropology, medical and forensic sciences. Mammals are distinguished from other vertebrates by many features, one of which is the structure and function of the jaw joint. The purpose of this review is to highlight the underlying mechanisms that are responsible for the distinctive features and adaptations of the mammalian jaw joint in terms of form and function.

Keywords: temporomandibular joint, evolution, mammalian jaw.