LAUSR

The aging process in the TMJ (temporomandibular joints) is related, more or less, with degenerative processes. Despite the rich literature on morphology and anatomy and the functioning of the components of the TMJ, there is much less research studies on the anatomy and diseases of these joints on historical populations. The aim of the study was to analyze the frequency and intensity of morphological and dysfunctional changes within the temporomandibular joints. The research material included skeleton material from three chronologically and geographically diverse archaeological series located in Poland in the cities: Strzelce Krajeńskie (n = 86), Santok (n = 86) and Wrocław ('Kuronia' collection) (n = 70). The examination of the skeletal material was based on the macroscopic analysis of the articular surfaces of the temporomandibular joint. The difference in the frequency of degenerative changes observed on the articular surfaces of the temporomandibular joints between the examined skeletal series from selected cities was insignificant (Santok - 81.4%, Strzelce Krajeńskie - 72.1%, 'Kuronia' - 68.6%). However, the obtained results showed a difference in the intensity of changes in the TMJ between individuals representing the early medieval population from Santok and individuals from the beginning of the 20th century collection 'Kuronia'.