Articulation of the Mandible

From WikiMD's medical encyclopedia

Dr.Prab.jpg

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
Anatomy > Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body > III. Syndesmology > 5d. Articulation of the Mandible

Henry Gray (1821–1865). Anatomy of the Human Body. 1918.

Articulation of the Mandible

(Articulatio mandibularis; Temporomandibular articulation)

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a modified ginglymoarthrodial joint—exhibiting both hinge-like and gliding movements. It connects the mandible to the temporal bone of the skull, specifically between:

  • The condylar process of the mandible below, and
  • The mandibular fossa and articular tubercle of the temporal bone above.

Ligaments

The TMJ is stabilized and supported by several key ligaments:

Articular Capsule

The joint is enclosed by a thin, loose capsule, attached:

  • Superiorly: To the margins of the mandibular fossa and the articular tubercle.
  • Inferiorly: To the neck of the mandibular condyle.
Articulation of the mandible, lateral view (Gray's Anatomy, 1918)

Temporomandibular Ligament

Also known as the external lateral ligament, it consists of short, obliquely arranged fibers that:

  • Extend from the lower border and lateral surface of the zygomatic arch
  • To the lateral surface and posterior margin of the neck of the mandible.

It is covered by the parotid gland and superficial tissues.

Sphenomandibular Ligament

Sphenomandibular ligament (Gray's Anatomy, 1918)

The sphenomandibular ligament is a flat band that:

It is located between the lateral pterygoid and medial pterygoid muscles, with the inferior alveolar nerve and vessels passing between the ligament and the ramus of the mandible.

Stylomandibular Ligament

This is a thickened band of the deep cervical fascia:

It separates the parotid gland from the submandibular gland and gives rise to some fibers of the styloglossus.

Articular Disk

Articular disk (meniscus) of the TMJ (Gray's Anatomy, 1918)

The joint contains an interposed fibrocartilaginous structure, the articular disk:

  • Superior surface: Concavo-convex to match the mandibular fossa and articular tubercle
  • Inferior surface: Concave, fitting the condyle

The periphery is thicker and blends with the capsule. The disk divides the joint into two synovial cavities (upper and lower), each with its own synovial membrane.

The anterior portion of the disk is connected to the lateral pterygoid muscle.

Synovial Membranes

  • The upper synovial membrane is between the mandibular fossa and the disk.
  • The lower synovial membrane is between the disk and the condyle of the mandible.

Sometimes, the disk is perforated in the center, allowing communication between the two joint cavities.

Nerve and Blood Supply

Movements of the Temporomandibular Joint

Movements at the TMJ include:

There are two separate joints:

  • Between the condyle and the disk (hinge)
  • Between the disk and the mandibular fossa (gliding)

Biomechanics

  • During slight opening (e.g., talking), motion is limited to the hinge joint.
  • During wide opening (e.g., yawning), the disk and condyle glide forward onto the articular tubercle.

Movements include:

  • Gliding forward on both sides for protrusion
  • Alternating anterior-posterior movement during chewing (grinding motion)

Muscles Involved

Clinical Relevance

See Also

Gray's Anatomy

Anatomy atlases (external)

[1] - Anatomy Atlases

Adapted from the Classic Grays Anatomy of the Human Body 1918 edition (public domain)



Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:

NYC weight loss doctor appointments

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.

Linkedin_Shiny_Icon Facebook_Shiny_Icon YouTube_icon_(2011-2013) Google plus


Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Anish, Prab R. Tumpati, MD