Temporomandibular joint
Learning objectives
After completing this study unit you will be able to:
- Describe the articular surfaces of the temporomandibular joint.
- Identify other main components and supporting structures.
- List the movements performed at this joint.
Browse atlas
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the skull to the mandible. It is located between the mandibular fossa and articular tubercle of the temporal bone and the condylar process of the mandible. It is classified as a synovial-type joint, however, is atypical in that its articular surfaces are lined by fibrocartilage rather than hyaline cartilage. The TMJs facilitate a range of movements of the lower jaw namely depression/elevation, lateral deviation (left or right), and protraction/retraction.
If you want to dig deeper into the anatomy of the TMJ, check out our atlas below!
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Review everything you learned today in the image gallery below!
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/temporomandibular-joint-1/YWspPi8EYCHxJPfhkPJCGg_Temporomandibular_joint.jpg "Temporomandibular joint (Articulatio temporomandibularis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/temporal-bone-15/fBp2TJ6UElmiH4dII9cXg_Temporal_bone.jpg "Temporal bone (Os temporale); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/mandible-8/tWCFHXuQqaHE76U2ghn3vQ__Os_mandibulare.jpg "Mandible (Mandibula); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/articular-tubercle-of-temporal-bone-1/HMw2ZS8jMNuFmzPLKFkQ_Articular_tubercle_of_temporal_bone.jpg "Articular tubercle of temporal bone (Tuberculum articulare ossis temporalis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/condylar-process-of-mandible/djvSjsgBfHgcR6mrr8pqMg_Condylar_process_of_mandible.jpg "Condylar process of mandible (Processus condylaris mandibulae); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/articular-surface-of-mandibular-fossa-of-temporal-bone/DKXuniXuCp5kfIZSY17Ww_Articular_surface_of_mandibular_fossa_of_temporal_bone.jpg "Articular surface of mandibular fossa of temporal bone (Facies articularis fossae mandibularis ossis temporalis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/articular-surface-of-condyle-of-mandible/TpqlKnTwZVXvUn4IKIz1oQ_Articular_surface_of_mandibular_fossa_of_temporal_bone.jpg "Articular surface of condyle of mandible (Facies articularis condyli mandibulae); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/articular-cartilage-of-temporomandibular-joint/jQZFlOSQSlvo3wqCctAAQ_Articular_cartilage_of_temporomandibular_joint_.jpg "Articular cartilage of temporomandibular joint (Cartilago articularis articulationis temporomandibularis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/superior-cavity-of-temporomandibular-joint/kzjN1Tsa5BC8skaZoljesg_Superior_cavity_of_temporomandibular_joint.jpg "Superior cavity of temporomandibular joint (Cavitas superior articulationis temporomandibularis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/inferior-cavity-of-temporomandibular-joint/HPvQkfRlXp31x2vYl7AQpA_Inferior_cavity_of_temporomandibular_joint.jpg "Inferior cavity of temporomandibular joint (Cavitas inferior articulationis temporomandibularis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/synovial-membrane-of-temporomandibular-joint/YCkcD17XYKXLnrDRXdG4tA_Synovial_membrane_of_temporomandibular_joint.jpg "Synovial membrane of temporomandibular joint (Stratum synoviale articulationis temporomandibularis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/articular-disc-of-temporomandibular-joint/tsrZm1me6pB3WR907rTOEw_Articular_disc_of_temporomandibular_joint_.jpg "Articular disc of temporomandibular joint (Discus articulationis temporomandibularis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/anterior-thickening-of-articular-disc-of-temporomandibular-joint/iLxb0Id4x9CPfpi1P71PQ_Anterior_band_of_articular_disc_of_temporomandibular_joint.jpg "Anterior band of articular disc of temporomandibular joint (Fasciculus anterior disci articulationis temporomandibularis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/intermediate-zone-of-articular-disc-of-temporomandibular-joint/ciYJUuzKe0TVpg4g2HE89w_Intermediate_zone_of_articular_disc_of_temporomandibular_joint.jpg "Intermediate zone of articular disc of temporomandibular joint (Zona intermedia disci articulationis temporomandibularis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/posterior-thickening-of-articular-disc-of-temporomandibular-joint/KbVJPCIUPYSl3qtyBKFAw_Posterior_band_of_articular_disc_of_temporomandibular_joint.jpg "Posterior band of articular disc of temporomandibular joint (Fasciculus posterior disci articulationis temporomandibularis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/retrodiscal-tissue-of-temporomandibular-joint/aXpVxuixnExd5l0gBbrRZA_Retrodiscal_tissue_of_temporomandibular_joint.jpg "Retrodiscal tissue of temporomandibular joint (Area retrodiscale articulationis temporomandibularis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/articular-capsule-of-temporomandibular-joint/geKoamrESJxxGlSeEZmEHQ_Articular_capsule_of_temporomandibular_joint.jpg "Articular capsule of temporomandibular joint (Capsula articularis temporomandibularis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/anterior-articular-capsule-of-temporomandibular-joint/O9MKmIOmX10IW55W70Ov1g_Anterior_articular_capsule_of_temporomandibular_joint.jpg "Anterior articular capsule of temporomandibular joint (Capsula articularis anterior articulationis temporomandibularis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/posterior-wall-of-joint-capsule-of-temporomandibular-joint/ww59FPZK7kyOenrwA3xw_Posterior_articular_capsule_of_temporomandibular_joint.jpg "Posterior articular capsule of temporomandibular joint (Capsula articularis posterior articulationis temporomandibularis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/posterior-temporal-attachment-of-articular-disc-of-temporomandibular-joint/d8iWLfsVQLg1vC3ILr4glg_Posterior_temporal_attachment_of_articular_disc_of_temporomandibular_joint.jpg "Posterior temporal attachment of articular disc of temporomandibular joint (Insertio temporalis posterior discus articularis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/posterior-mandibular-attachment-of-articular-disc-of-temporomandibular-joint/SZm7fUgqro7CUWocFKMYTQ_Posterior_mandibular_attachment_of_articular_disc_of_temporomandibular_joint.jpg "Posterior mandibular attachment of articular disc of temporomandibular joint (Insertio mandibularis posterior discus articularis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/anterior-temporal-attachment-of-articular-disc-of-temporomandibular-joint/dPMwE6kXZUeeVjNmWR0csw_Anterior_temporal_attachment_of_articular_disc_of_temporomandibular_joint_.jpg "Anterior temporal attachment of articular disc of temporomandibular joint (Insertio temporalis anterior discus articularis temporomandibularis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/anterior-mandibular-attachment-of-articular-disc-of-temporomandibular-joint/KfFV96bRYTgDZLyqhUrFw_Anterior_mandibular_attachment_of_articular_disc_of_temporomandibular_joint.jpg "Anterior mandibular attachment of articular disc of temporomandibular joint (Insertio mandibularis anterior discus articularis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/lateral-temporomandibular-ligament/p6P6XzRGjR9EockfsA_Lateral_temporomandibular_ligament.jpg "Lateral temporomandibular ligament (Ligamentum temporomandibulare laterale); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/medial-pterygoid-muscle-13/kHmiRN2aAxW0B1zCkBjIog_medial-pterygoid-muscle-13_.jpg "Medial pterygoid muscle (Musculus pterygoideus medialis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/superficial-head-of-medial-pterygoid-muscle/5Rtdw5M5rKvGuqNMUE9Npw_superficial-head-of-medial-pterygoid-muscle.jpg "Superficial head of medial pterygoid muscle (Caput superficiale musculi pterygoidei medialis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/deep-head-of-medial-pterygoid-muscle/n74e7d8AITpAGoT6bofg_deep-head-of-medial-pterygoid-muscle.jpg "Deep head of medial pterygoid muscle (Caput profundum musculi pterygoidei medialis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/lateral-pterygoid-muscle-9/NFfcmDrEHWn2ODh0qTAtQ_lateral-pterygoid-muscle-9.jpg "Lateral pterygoid muscle (Musculus pterygoideus lateralis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/superior-head-of-lateral-pterygoid-muscle/VHGdZOrjeLpvuNlcFFrRA_superior-head-of-lateral-pterygoid-muscle.jpg "Superior head of lateral pterygoid muscle (Caput superius musculi pterygoidei lateralis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/inferior-head-of-lateral-pterygoid-muscle/fi2vw591Du1FXr0wp33D3w_inferior-head-of-lateral-pterygoid-muscle_.jpg "Inferior head of lateral pterygoid muscle (Caput inferius musculi pterygoidei lateralis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/sphenomandibular-ligament-1/86qKw2wNZJSXK42dACVGuQ_Sphenomandibular_ligament.jpg "Sphenomandibular ligament (Ligamentum sphenomandibulare); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/stylomandibular-ligament-1/RT5ifCZxE5LtS8hWtvUQ_Stylomandibular_ligament.jpg "Stylomandibular ligament (Ligamentum stylomandibulare); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/styloid-process-of-temporal-bone/LVKFkmU67s4r5tgp2ZQ_Styloid_process_of_temporal_bone.jpg "Styloid process of temporal bone (Processus styloideus ossis temporalis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/external-acoustic-meatus-of-temporal-bone/z6f594D8XiOTb3C6kEfoxA_External_acoustic_meatus.jpg "External acoustic meatus (Meatus acusticus externus); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/mastoid-process-of-temporal-bone/pC8BZZuVBg2hYbRAOIjxhw_Mastoid_process_of_temporal_bone.jpg "Mastoid process of temporal bone (Processus mastoideus ossis temporalis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/retraction-of-mandible/Oxo7Z4tvJWmGk4j6EeJKQ_Retraction_of_mandible.png "Retraction of mandible (Retractio mandibulae); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/protraction-of-mandible/lDK6tY7IeHYNVnD0oqYZRQ_Protraction_of_mandible.png "Protraction of mandible (Protractio mandibulae); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/elevation-of-mandible/LuTrHhVkNehkQ1CSirbqPg_Elevation_of_mandible.png "Elevation of mandible (Elevatio mandibulae); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
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Summary
| Articular surfaces |
Temporal bone: Mandibular fossa and articular tubercle Mandible: Condylar process |
| Components | Joint capsule Synovial membrane Articular disc (anterior/posterior bands, intermediate zone) |
| Cavities | Superior (discotemporal) cavity (translational movement) Inferior (discomandibular) cavity (rotational movement) |
| Ligaments |
Major: Lateral temporomandibular ligament (thickened lateral portion of capsule, strengthens TMJ laterally) Minor: Stylomandibular ligament, sphenomandibular ligament |
| Rotational movements |
Elevation: Temporalis, masseter and medial pterygoid muscles Depression: Lateral pterygoid, digastric, geniohyoid and mylohyoid muscles |
| Translational movements |
Protrusion: Lateral and medial pterygoid muscles, superficial part of masseter muscle Retraction: Posterior fibers of temporalis, deep part of masseter, geniohyoid and digastric muscles Lateral deviation (left or right): Posterior fibers of temporalis, digastric, mylohyoid and geniohyoid muscles (ipsilateral movement); lateral and medial pterygoid muscles (contralateral movement) |
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