ARTICULATION OF THE MANDIBLE 



297 



IV. Articulation of the Mandible Articulatio Mandibularis ; Temporo- 

 mandibular Articulation). 



This is a ginglymo-arthrodial joint; the parts entering into its formation on 

 either side are: the anterior part of the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone 

 and the articular tubercle above; and the condyle of the mandible below. The 

 ligaments of the joint are the following: 



The Articular Capsule. The Sphenomandibular. 



The Temporomandibular. The Articular Disk. 



The Stylomandibular. 



The Articular Capsule (capsula articular is; capsular ligament).' The articular 

 capsule is a thin, loose envelope, attached above to the circumference of the 

 mandibular fossa and the articular tubercle immediately in front; below, to the 

 neck of the condyle of the mandible. 



Temporal I JJ iM 



FIG. 309. Articulation of the mandible. Lateral aspect. 



ie Temporomandibular Ligament (ligamentum temporomandibular e; external 

 lateral ligament) (Fig. 309). The temporomandibular ligament consists of two 

 short, narrow fasciculi, one in front of the other, attached, above, to the lateral 

 surface of the zygomatic arch and to the tubercle on its lower border; below, 

 to the lateral surface and posterior border of the neck of the mandible. It is broader 

 above than below, and its fibers are directed obliquely downward and backward. 

 It is covered by the parotid gland, and by the integument. 



The Sphenomandibular Ligament (ligamentum sphenomandibulare; internal lateral 

 ligament) (Fig. 310). The Sphenomandibular ligament is a flat, thin band which is 

 attached above to the spina angularis of the sphenoid bone, and, becoming broader 

 as it descends, is fixed to the lingula of the mandibular foramen. Its lateral surface 

 is in relation, above, with the Pterygoideus externus; lower down, it is separated 

 from the neck of the condyle by the internal maxillary vessels; still lower, the 

 inferior alveolar vessels and nerve and a lobule of the parotid gland lie between 

 it and the ramus of the mandible. Its medial surface is in relation with the Ptery- 

 goideus internus. 



