Answer
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is an artrosis between the temporal bone and the mandible. It is the only freely movable joint between skull bones. All the other joints between skull bones are sutures which, in adults, are capable of very little or no movement.
Work Step by Step
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the only joint between skull bones that permits free movements. All the other joints between skull bones ( absent ear ossicles) are sutures which permit little or no movement in adults. The TMJ is a hybrid hinge-gliding joint, different areas of which permit the following movements--elevation, depression, protraction, retraction, some rotation, and controlled lateral displacement. It is very important that the mandible and the maxilla be in proper alignment for effective mastication. This means that after any degree of temporary lateral displacement, the mandible must be returned to proper alignment with the maxilla. Several ligaments help to stabilize the TMJ. Of these, the lateral ligament is the most important. It prevents permanent lateral displacement of the mandible.
