Introduction Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) denotes diseases of the muscles and the mandibular joint, muscular and skeletal diseases, and frequently also parts of systemic diseases of a generalized fibromy-algia, or a form of rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, fear, tension and stressful situations contribute to the overall condition of the masticatory system. (1) Some authors believe that TMD includes pathological diseases primarily affecting the function of muscles and the mandibular muscle, with a possible alteration to the tooth surface. (2) After a cause has crossed the level of individual physiological tolerance of the masticatory system, the system itself starts to respond with certain signs of change. Changes usually happen on the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), supportive tooth structures, and the teeth themselves. (3) The most frequent symptoms of TMD are found in the area of the temporomandibular joint, a sensation of fatigue in the jaw area, a sensation of stiffness of the jaw upon waking up or when opening the mouth, luxation or locking of the mandible when opening the mouth, pain when opening the mouth, and pain in the region of the temporomandibular joint or in the area of the masticatory muscles (cheeks). The most frequent signs of TMD include restricted mandibular movement , lower TMJ function, painful mandibular movement , muscle pain, and pain in the TMJ. (4) TMD causes are complex and multi-factori-al. Numerous factors may lead to TMD. The influence of psychosocial stressors, parafunctions and other psychological and behavioral processes onT-MD pain has been examined in a number of studies. For example, war-related stress has been linked to TMD (5), and stressors as mild as performing mental arithmetic and solving five-letter anagrams can also increase masticatory muscle activity thought to be associated with TMD. (6, 7) Similar relationships between stress and TMD have been reported in children, adolescents and adults. (8, 9, 10) The American Psychiatric Association (11) defines post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a form of pathological response to stress, in which the patient, through intrusive thoughts and dreams, regularly experiences the trauma suffered, and is consequently placed in a state of permanent increased tension. As a result of increased motor activity and the neu-rotransmitter disruptions which accompany PTSD, particularly with regard to noradrenalin, serotonin, endogenic opiates, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (12, 13, 14), marked manifestations of symptoms and signs of TMD can be expected. (5)

Anatomically and functionally, temporomandibular joint (articulatio temporomandibularis) is specific, It consists of incongruent joint surface. The size of mandibular joint surface and its position in relation to facies articularis fossae mandibularis in different positions of mandibulae (central occlusion, central relation) are still subject to the interest of prosthetics. The aim of the research is measuring the lower joint surface by special 3D device that enables acribic precise measuring. Macerated human skulls, property of the Anatomy Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University Sarajevo, were used for the research that has been carried out. Results of measuring of articulating surface caput mandibulae along longer axis (mediolateral diameter) indicate that there are no differences in size of this surface between right and left joints. Results of measuring of articulating surface caput mandibulae along shorter axis (anteroposterior diameter) indicate differences in values of this diameter between right and left sides. Judging by statistical evaluation, differences are highly significant on the level of probability p<0.01. The research has shown differences in the size of this joint surface, on right and left sides, but only in antero-posterior direction. This original scientific work will help better of relationship of TMJ surfaces, what is necessary for treatment of TMD and occlusal imbalances.

The position of mandible in centric relation is the initial position in prosthodontic rehabilitation. This fact is especially significant today when, due to development of implantology, the use of osseointegrated prostheses is increasingly discussed. The aim of the study is to define if the peak of the articulating surface of mandible in centric relation position is directed towards the zenith of madibular fossa, or is in the retroposition. The research was conducted on macerated human sculls in anthropometric system, based on objective measuring techniques and methods. The results showed that if the zenith of mandibular fossa is determined according to the vertical line of the Frankfurt horizontal, the peak of the mandibular caput articulating surface is in retroposition. The relation of the lower joint surface to the mandibular fossa zenith is the same on both right and left side. The correlation coefficient demonstrates a high correlation between the sides, highly significant with probability level of p<0,01. If the peak of mandibular fossa is determined according to the vertical line of the Frankfurt horizontal, the peak of the articulating surface of mandibular caput is in retroposition in relation to the peak of the upper jaw surface. This original scientific work will help better understanding of x-ray analysis and understanding of relationship of TMJ surfaces, what is necessary for treatment of TMD and occlusal imbalances.