Combining spiral CT scanning technology with three-dimensional finite element method, togetherwith Auto-CAD software, a three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model with nonlinearcharacteristic such as nonlinear material and contact relationship in the joint was developed fromin vivo for calculating and analyzing the stress distribution wit.hin the human temporomandibularoint (TMJ) during centric occlusion in order to simulate and analyze the stress distribution anddisplacement of the human TMJ.