Mandibular fossa
Encyclopedia
The mandibular fossa is the depression in the temporal bone that articulates with the mandibular condyle. In the temporal bone
, the mandibular fossa is bounded, in front, by the articular tubercle
; behind, by the tympanic part of the bone, which separates it from the external acoustic meatus; it is divided into two parts by a narrow slit, the petrotympanic fissure
(Glaserian fissure). The mandibular fossa is also referred to as the glenoid fossa
, especially in dental literature.
see also the TMJ
Temporal bone
The temporal bones are situated at the sides and base of the skull, and lateral to the temporal lobes of the cerebrum.The temporal bone supports that part of the face known as the temple.-Parts:The temporal bone consists of four parts:* Squama temporalis...
, the mandibular fossa is bounded, in front, by the articular tubercle
Articular tubercle
The anterior root of the posterior end of the outer surface of the Squama temporalis, continuous with the lower border, is short but broad and strong; it is directed medialward and ends in a rounded eminence, the articular tubercle .This tubercle forms the front boundary of the mandibular fossa,...
; behind, by the tympanic part of the bone, which separates it from the external acoustic meatus; it is divided into two parts by a narrow slit, the petrotympanic fissure
Petrotympanic fissure
The petrotympanic fissure is a fissure in the temporal bone that runs from the temporomandibular joint to the tympanic cavity....
(Glaserian fissure). The mandibular fossa is also referred to as the glenoid fossa
Glenoid fossa
Glenoid fossa can refer to:* Glenoid cavity * Mandibular fossa...
, especially in dental literature.
see also the TMJ