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Temporomandibular (TM) joint

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.

Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD
- Dentistry
Last Updated January 24, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: January 24, 2008
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