Lateral Temporomandibular Ligament
Ligamentum temporomandibulare laterale
Read moreStructure
The lateral ligament of the temporomandibular joint is strong triangular ligament formed by the thickened lateral portion of the joint capsule. This ligament consists of an outer oblique portion and an inner horizontal portion.
Related parts of the anatomy
Anatomical Relations
The lateral ligament of the temporomandibular joint runs from the articular tubercle of the temporal bone superiorly, down past the lateral side of the temporomandibular joint, in contact with the joint capsule. It attaches to the lateral and posterior surfaces of the neck of the condylar process of the mandible.
Function
The lateral ligament of the temporomandibular joint prevents posterior displacement of the mandibular condyle and initiates the forward movement of the articular disc when the mandible is fully depressed.
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Joint Ligament
Entheseal structures are widely located throughout the body and are represented by the interface between bone and several tissues including tendon, joint capsules and ligaments.
