Temporomandibular joint

The temporomandibular joint is a joint connecting the lower jaw, called the mandible, to the temporal bone at the side of the head. It allows a diverse range of movement to occur, the jaw can open and shut, but also move in and out and side to side.

It is a synovial joint with a loose capsule, and acts as a modified hinge joint.

See also: Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, mastication.