Altered loading is an important etiological factor for the temporomandibular disorders. Through changing the loading, chondrocyte can secrete various cytokines and enzymes to control the synthesis of cartilage matrix and decomposition. Recent years，researches have found that the change of the subchondral bone plays an important role in the progression of osteoarthritis. Subchondral bone sclerosis is not only the result of osteoarthritis（OA） but associated with the development of it. For the therapy of OA, we should concerned about the cartilage and the prevention for the degeneration of the subchondral bone. In this article, the anatomic structure，physiological function, methods of altered loading and the effect on the subchondral bone and cartilage have been reviewed.
