Joints of the Head

The key joint of the head is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The temporomandibular joint is formed by a bilateral articulation between the mandible and the temporal bones. The articulating bony structures are lined with fibrocartilage and separated by an articular disc to form two synovial joint cavities.

The temporomandibular joint is stabilised by ligaments. The muscles of mastication produced movements of the temporomandibular joint including protraction and retraction, and elevation and depression.

The main arterial supply to the temporomandibular joint is the superficial temporal branch of the external carotid artery, and nervous innervation is supplied by the mandibular nerve (CN3).

In this section, learn more about the temporomandibular joint, the main joint of the head.