Temporomandibular (TM) joint
Temporomandibular (TM) joint
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The temporomandibular (TM) joints join the skull and lower jawbone. These gliding "ball and socket" joints are located just in front of each ear. They move when a person opens and closes his or her mouth.
The TM joints are stabilized by muscles and ligaments that attach directly to the jawbone. They are separated by a disc made of cartilage, called the articular disc. This keeps the two bones from rubbing together.
Current as of: June 30, 2021
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Arden Christen DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry
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