Anatom3DLateral temporomandibular ligament
Ligamentum laterale articulationis temporomandibularis · Zevní vaz čelistního kloubu
Joints & cartilage
Looks like
A thickened band on the outer side of the jaw joint capsule, running from the cheekbone arch down and back to the neck of the jaw.
What it does
The main ligament of the jaw joint: stops the jaw from sliding too far back or sideways and guides the first part of opening.
Keeping it well
Strained by a blow to the chin or very wide opening. Pain and limited opening usually settle with rest and soft food.
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)