Absztrakt: The history of studies related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) goes back to the ancient times. Egyptian medical reports from thousands of years prove that sub-luxation of the jaw was realised as a pathological condition that required prompt treatment, which was described in all details. Great physicians of the ancient times Hippocrates and Galen discussed the TMJ too with therapy of its luxation. In the Middle ages, Andre Vesalius demonstrated accurately the anatomical and functional properties of the joint together with its cartilage and the masticatory system. He was a scientific milestone with his academic lectures and publications. The conservative treatment of the TMJ luxation did not changed since the ancient knacks that proved to be permanent and practised in the modern medicine too. TMJ dysfunction as a specific disease, published first James B. Costen in the 20th century. Later on, this disease got several names adjusted to specific causes responsible for the evolving condition. As a result of diagnostic development while searching for origin of TMJ disorders and using new therapeutic solutions the internal damage of the joint can successfully be treated, although there are still emerging new problems to be solved in the future.  Kulcsszavak: temporomandibuláris ízület, luxáció, diagnózis, gyógyítás, történeti távlat