What occurs during right lateral deviation of the mandible?

During right lateral deviation of the mandible, the movement involves the right condylar head spinning posteriorly while the left condyle glides anteriorly. This occurs because the mandible must rotate away from the midline towards the right side, allowing for a side-to-side movement that facilitates chewing and other oral functions.

The right condyle, being the side towards which the deviation occurs, performs a primary movement as it rotates; this is called the spin or hinge movement of the joint. Meanwhile, the left condyle, which is on the opposite side, is involved in a translational movement, gliding forward to accommodate the lateral shift of the mandible.

Understanding this movement is vital for diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders, as alterations in normal motion can indicate underlying issues such as asymmetries or joint dysfunction.