106 human TMJ specimens from 53 individuals (age: 65-85 years) were examined macro- and microscopically and measured for discal and condylar cartilage thickness at five points defined on a mediolateral axis along the middle dense part of the disc. 27% of the discs showed lateral and laterocentral perforations. In 8% the lateral portion was thinned down to a translucent layer. 62% showed no gross destruction or deviation in shape and thickness. The remaining 3% displayed extensive destruction and their condyles were osteoarthritic. All discs showed a significant decrease in thickness from their medial towards their lateral portions. The condyles displayed either a smooth articular surface (16%) or an irregular and progressively remodelled surface (81%) with histologically normal fibrocartilage. The condylar cartilage did not show a significant gradient of thickness in amediolateral direction. The results support our previously developed working hypothesis, that the joint is seemingly loaded along its entire articular surface and that a lateral disc perforation in older individuals can be due to a physiological process of wearing rather than to a pathological sequel of functional disorders.