Comparative Histological Contributions to the Development of the Ear-ossicular Joints and the Temporomandibular Joint in the Mouse

• Published in: Okajimas Folia Anatomica Japonica Vol. 67; no. 5; pp. 381 - 404
• Main Authors: NAKANISHI, Tooru, IWAI-LIAO, Yasutomo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Tokyo Editorial Board of Okajimas Folia Anatomica Japonica 1990; Keio University
• Subjects: Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Cell Differentiation - physiology; Ear Ossicles - cytology; Ear Ossicles - embryology; Ear Ossicles - ultrastructure; Ear-ossicular joints; Embryology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Microscopy, Electron; Morphogenesis - physiology; Mouse; Skeleton and joints; Synovial joint; Temporomandibular Joint - cytology; Temporomandibular Joint - embryology; Temporomandibular Joint - ultrastructure; TMJ; Vertebrates: osteoarticular system, musculoskeletal system; Embryo; Rodentia; Temporomandibular joint; Histology; Anatomy; Joint; Vertebrata; Mammalia; Transmission electron microscopy; Postnatal; Mouse; Ear ossicles; Development; Skeleton
• ISSN: 0030-154X; 1881-1736
• DOI: 10.2535/ofaj1936.67.5_381

The genesis, differentiation, development and growth of the ear-ossicular joints and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in the SIc-ICR mouse were studied by means of light and transmission electron microscopy. The differentiation of the ossicular joints and TMJ anlagen was initiated during the fetal stages. Although morphogenesis, development and growth of the TMJ were already evident in the prenatal stages, the joint-cleaving associated with the occurrence of interzones in the cartilaginous ossicular chain was observed during the neonatal stages. However, the simple diarthrodial ossicular joints were completed and became mature earlier than the double synovial TMJ having an articular disc in early postnatal life. TEM examinations revealed that the articulating epiphyseal cartilage of the ossicular joints consisted of hyaline cartilage, while the intracapsular structures in the TMJ were composed of fibrocartilage. The synovium of the diarthroidal joints was supplied by blood vessels, nerve fibers, collagen and elastic fibers. No distinct aging in the cellular and fibrous components of the synovial tissue of the completed TMJ and ossicular joints was evident in the present study.