TMJDirectory anatomy
The temporomandibular joint.
A sagittal cross section of the TMJ, the joint connecting your jaw to your skull. Bone, disc, retrodiscal tissue, and the lateral pterygoid muscle, labeled below.
Sagittal cross section
Temporal Bone
Mandibular Fossa(depression in temporal bone)
Articular Eminence(bony ridge)
Synovial Fluid(in superior joint cavity)
External Acoustic Meatus
Articular Disc(fibrocartilaginous)
Retrodiscal Tissue
Lateral Pterygoid Muscle
Superior Head
Inferior Head
Mandibular Condyle(part of the mandible)
Capsule
Middle ear · medial view
The ear connection
Malleus
Discomalleolar Ligament
The discomalleolar ligament (Pinto's ligament) continues from the superior retrodiscal lamina through the petrotympanic fissure to the malleus in the middle ear.
Clinical notes
- Retrodiscal tissue is highly vascular and innervated. Irritation here is a common source of TMJ pain.
- The discomalleolar ligament connects the TMJ to the middle ear via the petrotympanic fissure.
- Dysfunction or tension in this ligament may contribute to ear symptoms (fullness, pain, tinnitus).
- The auriculotemporal nerve provides sensation to the temple, ear, and anterior scalp.
This illustration is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.