Temporomandibular joint

Looks like

The jaw joint in front of each ear: a hinge that also slides, with a disc inside.

What it does

Opens, closes and grinds the jaw for chewing and speech.

Keeping it well

Avoid chewing gum and clenching; heat, soft food and jaw exercises settle most pain.

Its parts

• Articular capsule of temporomandibular joint
• Articular disc of temporomandibular joint
• Lateral temporomandibular ligament
• Sphenomandibular ligament

Related conditions

• Achondroplasia
• Brain abscess
• Gout
• Haemophilia & bleeding disorders
• Lyme disease
• Marfan syndrome & connective tissue disorders
• Osteoarthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Rheumatic fever & rheumatic heart disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Temporomandibular joint disorder
• Traumatic brain injury (moderate to severe)