The temporomandibular joint is a double joint which creates a moving connection between the skull and the mandible. Its two‑storeyed structure permits performing the complex movements of closing and opening the jaws, extending and retracting the mandible, crushing and dissolving food, as well as mastication. The actions of both the joints are linked with each other, permitting coincident execution of these movements. All disorders involving these structures are usually associated with severe pain and considerable discomfort for the patients. That is why a precise understanding of the symptoms accompanying these disorders is very important in dental practise. This article describes the most common symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders: disorders based on muscle and intraarticular aetiology, inflammations and degenerations. This paper also includes a short description of disorders associated with an impaired range of motion in the mandible, injuries, as well as developmental and neoplastic changes.

Key words: temporomandibular joints, masticatory dysfunction, myospasm, cracking, displacement of the articular disc, inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, dislocation.