Temporomandibular (TM) joint

The temporomandibular (TM) joints join the skull and lower jawbone. These gliding “ball and socket” joints are located just in front of each ear. They move when a person opens and closes his or her mouth. The TM joints are stabilized by muscles and ligaments that attach directly to the jawbone. They are separated by a…

Temporomandibular (TM) joint

The temporomandibular (TM) joints join the skull and lower jawbone. These gliding “ball and socket” joints are located just in front of each ear. They move when a person opens and closes his or her mouth.

The TM joints are stabilized by muscles and ligaments that attach directly to the jawbone. They are separated by a disc made of cartilage, called the articular disc. This keeps the two bones from rubbing together.

Current as ofOctober 3, 2018

Author: Healthwise Staff
Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD – Family Medicine

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