Abstract: To get some knowledge about the condition of TMJ in Neolithic people and to examine if there are any morphologic difference in TMJ between Neolithic and contemporary population, routine observations of TMJ were made and dimensions of mandibular fossa and condyle were measured in a group of 22 Neolithic Age adult skulls, dated back to 3, 000-4, 000 B. C. 4 excavated at Baoji and Huaxian of China and the results were compared with those obtained from contemporary populations. It is found that there are substantial evidence of degenerative joint disease in 23% individuals studied, including gross attrition, asymmetrical attrition and irregular osteoanaphysis on both articular em nence and condyle. The dimensions of condyle are larger, the height of articular eminence and the depth of the fossa are greater, the posterior slope of the eminence is less oblique in Neolithic population han those in population today. It is suggested that a strong mastication force is responsible for TMJ disease in early people. With the changing of life-style and oral function there are secular trends in TMJ reduction in hurman evolution.

Key words: Neolithic age; Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)