Description
The mandibular fossa (glenoid fossa of temporal bone) is the smooth, deep depression found along the inferolateral aspect of the temporal bone. Within the mandibular fossa lies its articular and non-articular portions:
—the anteriorly located articular portion is formed by the inferior aspect of the squamous part of temporal bone and attaches to the articular disc of the temporomandibular joint;
—the posteriorly located non-articular portion is formed by the tympanic part of temporal bone.
The mandibular fossa contributes to the formation of the temporomandibular joint, along with the condylar process of the mandible and an intervening articular disc of the temporomandibular joint.
