Temporomandibular joint: overview (English)

Part of the ramus of the mandible and zygomatic arch have been removed to expose the infratemporal fossa, where two muscles of mastication are located: the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles. In addition, three major ligaments are associated with this joint. The lateral temporomandibular ligament is a thickening of the joint capsule and strengthens it laterally. The sphenomandibular ligament is located medial to the joint, running from the spine of the sphenoid bone to the lingula on the medial side of the ramus of the mandible. The stylomandibular ligament passes from the styloid process of the temporal bone to the posterior margin and angle of the mandible.