What movements do the condyle of the mandible perform?

What movements do the condyle of the mandible perform?

• A. Rotates
• B. Translates
• C. Rotates, slides and translates
• D. Glides

Answer: (C)

The condyle of the mandible moves in a combination, not in a single motion. When you begin to open the mouth, it first rotates like a hinge within the mandibular fossa. As opening continues, the condyle–disc complex slides forward along the articular eminence (translation or gliding), allowing a larger range of motion. These actions can occur together, so rotation happens while the condyle glides forward. Because of this, the condyle performs rotations, slides (glides), and translations. The lateral pterygoid muscles help guide this forward movement by stabilizing the disc and pulling the condyle forward.

The condyle of the mandible moves in a combination, not in a single motion. When you begin to open the mouth, it first rotates like a hinge within the mandibular fossa. As opening continues, the condyle–disc complex slides forward along the articular eminence (translation or gliding), allowing a larger range of motion. These actions can occur together, so rotation happens while the condyle glides forward. Because of this, the condyle performs rotations, slides (glides), and translations. The lateral pterygoid muscles help guide this forward movement by stabilizing the disc and pulling the condyle forward.