[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Head and neck](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/head-and-neck/) › TMJ capsule [Joints and ligaments](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/joints-and-ligaments/) · [Head and neck](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/head-and-neck/) # TMJ capsule The capsule of the temporomandibular (jaw) joint is the sleeve of tissue around the joint in front of the ear; it holds the joint together and limits it. Official name: Temporomandibular joint [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=head_neck&select=tmj_capsule&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## What it is The sleeve of tissue around the jaw joint, thickened on the outside. ## What it does Holds the joint together and limits how far the jaw drops back. ## Key points - Loose above and tight below: wide attachment around the articular fossa and eminence, close attachment to the condylar neck, so the condyle and disc can glide forward - Its thickened lateral part (lateral or temporomandibular ligament) stops the condyle being driven back against the tympanic plate and ear canal - Sensory supply mainly from the auriculotemporal nerve (V3), with masseteric and deep temporal branches; this explains joint pain felt in the ear - In anterior dislocation the condyle slides in front of the articular eminence and is held there by muscle spasm; the capsule usually stays intact ## Key facts **Attaches** Margins of the articular fossa and eminence to the neck of the condyle; thickened laterally as the lateral (temporomandibular) ligament **Function** Encloses the TMJ; the lateral ligament stops the condyle being pushed back ## Relations **Lateral** [Parotid gland](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/parotid-gland/), the [superficial temporal artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/superficial-temporal-artery/) and the auriculotemporal nerve; temporal and zygomatic branches of the [facial nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/facial-nerve/) cross just in front **Behind** Retrodiscal tissue, then the tympanic plate and the [ear canal](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/external-acoustic-meatus/) **In front** [Lateral pterygoid](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/superior-head-of-lateral-pterygoid-muscle/) inserting into the condylar neck, capsule and disc **Medial** [Sphenomandibular ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sphenomandibular-ligament/); the [middle meningeal artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/middle-meningeal-artery/) rising to the [foramen spinosum](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/foramen-spinosum/) and the chorda tympani nearby **Contents** Condyle of the [mandible](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/mandible/) and the [TMJ disc](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/articular-disc-of-temporomandibular-joint/), which divides the joint into upper and lower synovial compartments ## How to find it With a fingertip just in front of the tragus, the condyle is felt moving forward under the capsule as the mouth opens; a finger in the ear canal pressing forward feels the back of the condyle. ## Examination - Palpation of the lateral pole in front of the tragus: tenderness suggests capsulitis or synovitis - Mouth opening (distance between the incisors) and its path: limited opening or deviation suggests a joint or muscle problem ## On imaging MRI with closed- and open-mouth views shows the capsule, joint effusion and the disc; CT or cone-beam CT shows the bony surfaces; ultrasound can show an effusion. ## Clinical notes - Arthrocentesis and arthroscopy enter the upper compartment through the lateral capsule just in front of the tragus; the [facial nerve branches](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/temporal-branches-of-facial-nerve/) are the main structures at risk - Rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis can involve the TMJ synovium, causing pain and stiffness and, in children, reduced jaw growth - Ankylosis after trauma or infection in childhood fuses the condyle to the fossa, limiting mouth opening and jaw growth ## Development The TMJ forms later than most synovial joints, as a secondary joint between the [temporal bone](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/temporal-bone/) and the condylar cartilage; that cartilage stays a growth site through childhood, so condylar injury or ankylosis at a young age can stunt the mandible on that side. ## Related conditions - [Temporomandibular disorder](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/temporomandibular-disorder/) ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## What does the lateral (temporomandibular) ligament of the TMJ capsule prevent? It stops the condyle being driven back against the tympanic plate and ear canal. ## Why can TMJ capsule pain be felt in the ear? Its sensory supply is mainly from the auriculotemporal nerve (V3). ## In anterior TMJ dislocation, where is the condyle and what holds it? In front of the articular eminence, held by muscle spasm; the capsule usually stays intact. ## Which structures are mainly at risk when TMJ arthrocentesis enters the capsule in front of the tragus? The facial nerve branches. [Add to my cards (4)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/temporomandibular-joint/) Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional. ## Its names **Official Latin (TA2)** articulatio temporomandibularis TA2 1622 **Official Spanish (DeCS)** Cápsula de la articulación temporomandibular DeCS D013704 **English (TA2)** Temporomandibular joint **Also called** articulatio mandibularis · articulus mandibularis Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [DeCS](https://decs.bvsalud.org/es/ths/resource/?id=14082); [Anatomy, Head and Neck, Temporomandibular Joint](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538486/). ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/temporomandibular-joint/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/temporomandibular-joint/