TEMPORO MANDIBULAR JOINT

Temporo Mandibular Joint

Temporo Mandibular Joint is the joint that connects the mandible (lower jaw bone) with the temporal bone. It is a complex joint that allows for movements of the jaw.

Articulation:

• The TMJ is a synovial joint of the condyloid type.
• It has a flat articular surface on the mandible and a corresponding concave surface on the temporal bone.

Ligaments:

• The TMJ has four ligaments:
  • Sphenomandibular ligament
  • Stylomandibular ligament
  • Ligament of the disk
  • Capsular ligament

Relations:

• The TMJ is located anterior to the ear and is surrounded by the external auditory meatus.
• It is related to the temporalis muscle anteriorly and the masseter muscle posteriorly.

Movements:

• The TMJ allows for the following movements of the mandible:
  • Protrusion (forward movement)
  • Retrusion (backward movement)
  • Depression (downward movement)
  • Elevation (upward movement)
  • Lateral movements (side to side movement)

Blood Supply

Superficial temporal artery
Deep auricular artery
Maxillary artery branches
Ascending pharyngeal artery

Nerve Supply

Auriculotemporal nerve
Masseteric nerve
Deep temporal nerves

Applied Anatomy:

• The TMJ is an important joint for mastication (chewing).
• It is also involved in speech and other functions of the mouth.
• Injuries or disorders of the TMJ can cause pain and difficulty in opening the mouth.

Key Points to Remember:

• The TMJ is a complex joint that allows for movements of the jaw.
• It is composed of a flat articular surface on the mandible and a corresponding concave surface on the temporal bone.
• The TMJ has four ligaments that provide stability to the joint.
• The TMJ is related to the temporalis muscle anteriorly and the masseter muscle posteriorly.
• The TMJ allows for protrusion, retrusion, depression, elevation, and lateral movements of the mandible.