The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a crucial hinge connecting the jawbone to the skull, enabling essential functions like speaking, chewing, and yawning. Disorders of this joint, often referred to as TMJ disorders, can lead to pain, restricted movement, and a variety of other symptoms affecting the jaw and surrounding areas.
The mandible, or lower jawbone, is the largest and strongest bone in the human face, playing a crucial role in mastication and articulation. It consists of a horizontal body and two vertical rami, housing the lower teeth and forming the temporomandibular joint with the temporal bone of the skull.