Illustration copyright 2000 by Nucleus
Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
http://www.nucleusinc.com
The temporomandibular (TM) joints join the skull and lower jawbone
(mandible). These gliding 'ball and socket' joints are located just in front of
each ear, and they move when a person opens and closes their mouth.
The TM joints are stabilized by muscles that attach directly to the
jawbone. They are separated by a disc made of cartilage, which keeps the two
bones from rubbing together.
