Temporomandibular ligament
Encyclopedia
The temporomandibular ligament (external lateral ligament) consists of two short, narrow fasciculi, one in front of the other, attached, above, to the lateral surface of the zygomatic arch
and to the tubercle on its lower border; below, to the lateral surface and posterior border of the neck of the mandible.
It is broader above than below, and its fibers are directed obliquely downward and backward.
It is covered by the parotid gland
, and by the integument.
It prevents posterior displacement of the mandible and prevents the condyloid process
from being driven upward by a blow and fracturing the base of the skull.
Zygomatic arch
The zygomatic arch or cheek bone is formed by the zygomatic process of temporal bone and the temporal process of the zygomatic bone , the two being united by an oblique suture; the tendon of the Temporalis passes medial to the arch to gain insertion into the coronoid process...
and to the tubercle on its lower border; below, to the lateral surface and posterior border of the neck of the mandible.
It is broader above than below, and its fibers are directed obliquely downward and backward.
It is covered by the parotid gland
Parotid gland
The paired parotid glands are the largest of the salivary glands. They are each found wrapped around the mandibular ramus, and secrete saliva through Stensen's ducts into the oral cavity, to facilitate mastication and swallowing and to begin the digestion of starches.-Location:The parotid glands...
, and by the integument.
It prevents posterior displacement of the mandible and prevents the condyloid process
Condyloid process
The condyloid process is part of the mandible and is thicker than the coronoid, and consists of two portions: the condyle, and the constricted portion which supports it, the neck.-Condyle :...
from being driven upward by a blow and fracturing the base of the skull.