Articular eminence (most convex part of fossa: "high position") and Articular fossa are the two articulating areas. They are located on the inferior aspect of the bone. .
b. Post-gleniod process: bone on the distal area of the zygomatic arch.
Front of rounded depression: Articular eminence.
Depression: Articular Fossa.
Back of rounded depression: Post-glenoid process.
2. MANDIBLE .
a. Articulating surface of condyle is coronal part .
b. Anterior to the condyle is the coronoid process. .
c. The Mandibular notch is the area in between the coronoid process and the condyle.
THE JOINT CAPSULE:.
a. Completely encloses the TMJ; wraps around the articular eminence and articular fossa superiorly, and wraps around the mandibular condyle (including the neck) inferiorly.
b. Tough, fibrous CT.
c. Nerve supply and rich blood supply: a lot of pain possible.
THE DISC .
a. Fibrous, located between the temporal bone and condyle of the mandible on each side.
b. Divides the TMJ into two spaces- synovial cavities.
1. Upper synovial cavity.
2. Lower synovial cavity.
c. Membranes line the inside of capsule and secrete synovial fluid for lubrication.
JAW MOVEMENTS:.
TMJ is classed ginglymoarthrodial joint because it moves as a hinge while its rotating. GLIDES and ROTATES.
Sliding of Jaw: correct name is translation.
Protrusion: bringing lower jaw forwards.
Retraction: bringing lower jaw backwards.
Depression: lowering of lower jaw.
Elevation: raising of lower jaw.
Contracting Muscle Action.
Lateral pterygoid ►UNILATERAL contraction: lateral excursion; as one side contracts, the other side flops out.
►BILATERAL contraction: pulls mandible forward (protrusion) also, sliding or translation.
Temporalis muscles (posterior portion) .
Retraction of mandible.
Anterior suprahyoid .
&.
Lateral pterygoid muscle (infer. heads).
Also involved .
BILATERAL contraction: depression of mandible (opening jaw).
Masseter.