The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is primarily covered by a structure called the capsule.
The TMJ is a complex joint connecting the jawbone (mandible) to the skull (temporal bone). It is essential for various movements like chewing, talking, and yawning. Like many joints in the body, it is enclosed and protected by surrounding tissues.
Based on the provided information, key components related to the TMJ's structure include:
- The Capsule: The capsule is a fibrous membrane that surrounds the joint. It acts like a sleeve, providing a protective covering and helping to stabilize the joint. This membrane attaches to important anatomical landmarks such as the articular eminence, the articular disc, and the neck of the mandibular condyle.
- The Articular Disc: Located within the joint space, the articular disc is a crucial internal structure. The reference describes it as a fibrous extension of the capsule that runs between the two articular surfaces of the temporomandibular joint (the condyle of the mandible and the articular fossa/eminence of the temporal bone). While inside the joint, it helps to distribute forces and facilitate smooth movement between the bones.
In summary, the capsule is the outer fibrous membrane that surrounds and covers the entire TMJ, providing structural integrity and enclosure. The articular disc is an internal component situated between the joint surfaces.
