The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is formed by the articulation of the mandible (lower jaw) and the temporal bone of the skull.
Here's a breakdown:
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Mandible: This is your lower jaw bone. It has a rounded projection called the condyle.
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Temporal Bone: This is a bone on the side of your skull. It has a depression called the mandibular fossa (also known as the glenoid fossa or articular fossa).
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Articulation: The condyle of the mandible fits into the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone. This is where the TMJ is formed.
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Location: You can feel your TMJ by placing your fingers just in front of your ear and opening and closing your mouth. It's on the lateral aspect of your face, anterior to the tragus of your ear.
In essence, the TMJ is the hinge joint connecting your jaw to your skull, created specifically where the mandibular condyle meets the temporal bone's mandibular fossa.
