Temporomandibular joint anatomy in 3D
The temporomandibular joint is where the condyle of the mandible fits into a hollow on the underside of the temporal bone (the mandibular fossa), one just in front of each ear. An articular disc between the two bones divides the joint into upper and lower compartments. The left and right joints always move together.
Frequently asked questions
Which bones form the temporomandibular joint?
The temporomandibular joint is formed by the mandible and the temporal bone.
What type of joint is the temporomandibular joint?
It is a synovial joint that combines a hinge-like opening and closing movement with a forward and backward glide.
What movements happen at the temporomandibular joint?
It opens and closes the mouth, pushes the lower jaw forwards and pulls it back, and moves it from side to side. Chewing and speaking use these movements together.
Bones of the temporomandibular joint
Other joints
- Shoulder joint
- Acromioclavicular joint
- Elbow joint
- Radioulnar joints
- Wrist joint
- Thumb carpometacarpal joint
- Hip joint
- Sacroiliac joint
- Knee joint
- Ankle joint
- Subtalar joint
- Atlanto-occipital joint
- Atlanto-axial joint
- Intervertebral joints
- Costovertebral joints
Skeleton
Read more
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Once the 3D model loads you can turn it and select each part.