complex articulation of the movable mandible and the base of the skull.

Articulation takes place in Two Areas:

Bones Involved in the TMJ

Components of the TMJ

encloses the joint surfaces like a sleeve that runs from the temporal bone superiorly, to the condyle of the mandible inferiorly.

The enclosed space between the articular surfaces

lateral thickening of the joint capsule and is similar to the collateral ligaments of other joints.

it is composed of dense fibrous tissues and lies within the joint capsule. It is a biconcave disc that serves to provide reciprocal articular surfaces.

The disc effectively divides the joint cavity into two distinct upper and lower compartment

Fluid that filled the joint cavities and nourishes the articular disc.

Nerve Supply of the TMJ

Blood Supply of the TMJ

Venous Drainage of the TMJ

A layer of synovium lines the inner aspects of the joint capsule.

secretes Synovial Fluids for lubrication and nourishment of the opposing articular surfaces.

Jaw Movements other term that means Hinge and Gliding or Translation

Muscles Acting on the TMJ

Muscles for protrussion

Muscle of Retraction/Retrusion

Depression

Elevation

Muscles for Lateral Movement