The aim of this review is to examine current concepts regarding the morphological characteristics of the soft tissue components of the adult human temporomandibular joint (TMJ) under normal conditions. A literature search was conducted in the scientific electronic library eLibrary and the international electronic databases PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. Forty-four scientific publications with a publication date not exceeding 15 years were selected for detailed analysis. The article provides a description of the anatomy, histological structure and biochemical composition of the soft tissue elements of the temporomandibular joint: the articular capsule, articular disc, synovial fluid, capsular ligaments and retrodiscal tissues. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.