What lines the articular surfaces of the normal temporomandibular joint?

The articular surfaces of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are lined by a specialized type of fibrous tissue known as fibrocartilage. This tissue is highly durable and adapted to withstand the significant stresses and forces exerted on the joint during movements like chewing and speaking. Unlike hyaline cartilage, which is more common in other joints, the fibrocartilage in the TMJ provides enhanced stability and structure, and helps absorb shock.

While hyaline cartilage is found in many other joints, it does not have the same fibrous qualities that are essential for the TMJ's complex movements. Chondroitin-6-phosphate is a glycosaminoglycan found in cartilage but does not directly represent the tissue lining the joint. Highly vesiculated tissues do not accurately describe the structural composition required for the articular surfaces of the TMJ, which rely on a sturdier fibrous structure to perform effectively under pressure.