Figure 2.

TEM micrographs and surface dependent step-creep response correlations.
(A) illustrates a representative creep-relaxation indentation test. The inferior surface of the disc is mechanically stiffer and has less energy dissipation through indentation indicating that this side of the disc is primarily responsible for resistance to loading. The superior surface has a more elastic modulus and greater hysteresis indicating that this surface has more recoverability after loading. These mechanical findings are supported by high magnification TEM (B) and (C).
(B) illustrates that the superior surface has fiber orientation both anterioposteriorly but also obliquely indicating that shear loading in multiple directions can be accommodated.
The inferior surface (C) demonstrates linearized fibrils aligned anterior to posterior. These findings correlate with knowledge of joint function and architecture. The inferior disc surface does not have much relative motion to the mandible while the superior disc glides within the fossa and over the eminence of the temporal bone during function.