Myofascial pain is a form of TMJ disorder that affects which tissues?

• A. Muscles
• B. Bones
• C. Nerves
• D. Ligaments

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that myofascial pain in TMJ disorders comes from the jaw muscles and their surrounding fascia. The term myo- and fascial point to muscle tissue and the connective tissue around it, with pain stemming from taut bands and trigger points within the muscles of mastication (like the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoids). Because the issue lies in muscle tissue, bones, nerves, and ligaments aren’t the primary structures affected in this condition. This is why symptoms focus on deep, aching muscle pain and tenderness in the jaw area, often with referred pain, and why treatments target reducing muscle activity and loosening fascia rather than addressing bone, nerve, or ligament pathology.