Architecture of the Mandibular Condylar Cartilage of Elderly Individuals: A Semiquantitative Light Microscopic Histological Study

Abstract: Aim: This study aimed to categorize the constituent tissues of the mandibular condylar cartilage of elderly individuals.
Materials and methods: Thirty-three mandibular condyles were collected from 20 human cadavers of individuals between 40 years and 103 years old. Samples were stained with Masson’s trichrome and Herovici’s stains and, examined under a light microscope.
Results: All samples showed tissues that were categorized as fibrous and hyaline cartilage in the mandibular condylar cartilage. A thick fibrous cartilage layer was differentiated on the top of a thinner hyaline cartilage in all of the examined samples. Undifferentiated cells, as well as mature and hypertrophic chondroblasts, were observed in the layer identified as hyaline cartilage, even though they were not in an organized manner.
Conclusion: The observations from this study confirm that both fibrocartilage and hyaline cartilage are still present in the mandibular condylar cartilage of elderly individuals.
Clinical significance: The results from this study infer that the mandibular condylar cartilage could be still able to respond to stimulus in adults. In that context, the results of the present study set the basis for future studies aiming to elucidate the biological activity and the remodeling potential of the tissues at the mandibular condyle in adults.