The authors conducted research to determine the structural relationships of the craniomandibular articulation that resulted when a mandibular reference position was established. A noninvasive clinical method was used to identify the record centric maxillomandibular relation in normal subjects and a suitable reference position in subjects with derangements of the craniomandibular articulation. The reference positions were checked for repeatability. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine the intra-articular relationships resulting from application of the clinical techniques. The normal subjects conformed well to the 1987 Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms definition, with the mandible close to first-tooth contact. In subjects with deranged articulations, the condyle was always in an abnormal relationship on the affected side in the reference position, and there were many intersubject variations.