Oral anatomy: temporomandibular joint: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Oral anatomy: temporomandibular joint

Sample item

In the temporomandibular joint, the articular disc divides the cavity into two compartments. What movement predominates in each?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Upper gliding (translation), lower hinge (rotation)

The upper compartment, between temporal bone and disc, allows translation of the disc and condyle forward on mouth opening. The lower compartment, between disc and condyle, allows hinge rotation. Normal opening needs both.

Option by option

  • A. Gliding movement in both

    Pure gliding would not allow the initial rotation of the condyle.

  • B. Upper hinge, lower gliding

    This reverses the correct arrangement.

  • C. Upper gliding (translation), lower hinge (rotation) (correct)

    Correct. Translation occurs above the disc and rotation below it.

  • D. Hinge movement in both

    The joint is not purely hinge-like; translation is essential for wide opening.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is C, Upper gliding (translation), lower hinge (rotation). The upper compartment, between temporal bone and disc, allows translation of the disc and condyle forward on mouth opening.

Why is "Gliding movement in both" not the answer?

Pure gliding would not allow the initial rotation of the condyle.

Why is "Upper hinge, lower gliding" not the answer?

This reverses the correct arrangement.

Why is "Hinge movement in both" not the answer?

The joint is not purely hinge-like; translation is essential for wide opening.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral anatomy: temporomandibular joint in Dentistry. The lower compartment, between disc and condyle, allows hinge rotation. Normal opening needs both.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Oral anatomy: temporomandibular joint?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.