The jaw has multiple ligaments, but the two primary ligaments associated with the jaw are the temporomandibular ligament and the stylomandibular ligament.
Ligaments of the Jaw
The jaw, or mandible, is connected to the skull and surrounding structures via several ligaments. These ligaments provide stability, support, and control movement during jaw functions such as chewing and speaking. The two main ligaments are:
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Temporomandibular Ligament (TML): This ligament is a thickening of the lateral capsule of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It has two parts:
- Outer Oblique Portion: This portion resists excessive downward and backward movement of the mandible.
- Inner Horizontal Portion: This portion limits posterior movement of the mandible and protects the retrodiscal tissues.
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Stylomandibular Ligament: This ligament runs from the styloid process of the temporal bone to the angle of the mandible. It becomes taut when the jaw is protruded (moved forward) and helps limit excessive protrusion. While it provides stability, it's not a primary weight-bearing or movement-limiting ligament compared to the temporomandibular ligament.
In summary, while several ligaments are associated with the jaw, the temporomandibular and stylomandibular ligaments are the most prominent. The temporomandibular ligament is considered the main ligament of the temporomandibular joint.
