Temporomandibular ligament

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 articular tubercle on its lower border; below, to the lateral surface and posterior border of the neck of the mandible.

Temporomandibular ligament
Articulation of the mandible. Lateral aspect.
Details
From	zygomatic process of temporal bone
To	condyloid process (mandible)
Identifiers
Latin	ligamentum laterale articulationis temporomandibularis, ligamentum temporomandibulare
TA	A03.1.07.003 A03.1.07.004
FMA	57071
Anatomical terminology

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.

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 297 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

References

Saladin, Kenneth S. (2005) Human Anatomy. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-039080-0