Temporomandibular ligament
The temporomandibular ligament consists of two short, narrow, one in front of the other, attached, above, to the lateral surface of the zygomatic arch and to the articular tubercle on its lower border; below, to the lateral surface and posterior border of the neck of the mandible.
It is broader above than below, and its fibers are directed obliquely downward and backward.
It is covered by the parotid gland, and by the integument.
It prevents posterior displacement of the mandible and prevents the condyloid process from being driven upward by a blow and fracturing the base of the skull.
