TMJ allows the mandibular condyles to move in which two motions?

TMJ allows the mandibular condyles to move in which two motions?

• A. Glide, hinge
• B. Hinge, rotation
• C. Glide, rotation
• D. Rotation, translation

Answer: (A)

The two motions at the TMJ that move the mandibular condyle are hinge (rotation) and glide (translation). The joint has two compartments: the inferior one allows rotation around a horizontal axis, which begins mouth opening, while the superior one lets the condyle glide forward and downward under the articular eminence, enabling a larger opening and movements like protrusion. Because opening the mouth starts with rotation and then progresses to a forward slide, describing the motions as glide and hinge fits the actual mechanics. That’s why glide paired with hinge is the best answer. The other descriptions mix equivalents or refer to the translational part with different terminology, but the essential two motions are hinge (rotation) and glide (translation).

The two motions at the TMJ that move the mandibular condyle are hinge (rotation) and glide (translation). The joint has two compartments: the inferior one allows rotation around a horizontal axis, which begins mouth opening, while the superior one lets the condyle glide forward and downward under the articular eminence, enabling a larger opening and movements like protrusion. Because opening the mouth starts with rotation and then progresses to a forward slide, describing the motions as glide and hinge fits the actual mechanics. That’s why glide paired with hinge is the best answer. The other descriptions mix equivalents or refer to the translational part with different terminology, but the essential two motions are hinge (rotation) and glide (translation).