Where is the mandibular fossa located?
This anatomical structure is located in the squamous part of the temporal bone (squama temporalis). Anteriorly, the fossa lies at the base of the zygomatic process (processus zygomaticus), with the articular tubercle (tuberculum articulare) situated just anterior to it. Posteriorly, it borders the external acoustic meatus.
Structure and topography of the fossa
In shape, the structure is an oval depression. It is crossed approximately in the middle by the petrotympanic fissure, which divides the fossa into two parts:
- Anterior part (intracapsular) — located within the cavity of the temporomandibular joint.
- Posterior part (extracapsular) — located outside the joint cavity.
The bony articular surface of the fossa is covered with a thin and fragile connective tissue (fibrous articular cartilage), but this coverage extends only to the anterior part lying anterior to the petrotympanic fissure.
What role does the fossa play in the joint?
Mandibular fossa together with the head of the mandible (caput mandibulae) and the articular tubercle forms the temporomandibular joint (articulatio temporomandibularis). Since the size and shape of the mandibular head and fossa do not completely match each other, a natural incongruence arises. This problem is solved by the articular disc (discus articularis), whose upper surface mirrors the shape of the mandibular fossa.
In addition, the upper ligaments of the articular disc, consisting of elastic bundles, extend from the disc to the mandibular fossa and pull the disc back when it moves anteriorly.
Clinical significance
The anatomical features of the fossa and adjacent structures are important for understanding TMJ pathologies:
- In disc displacement with reduction, the disc is displaced anteriorly in the initial phase, and during mouth opening, it reduces with a click. With the mouth open, the condylar process and the disc are in correct anatomical alignment beneath the articular tubercle.
- In chronic dislocation, the head of the mandible is excessively displaced anteriorly and moves beyond the articular tubercle of the temporal bone.
- The division of the joint cavity by the disc into isolated compartments provides high compensatory capabilities.
The fossa beneath the temporal squama: anteriorly bounded by the tubercle and cartilage, posteriorly by the acoustic meatus, and medially divided into two parts by the fissure.
Class and exam questions
Where is the mandibular fossa located?
It is located in the squamous part of the temporal bone, situated between the base of the zygomatic process anteriorly and the external acoustic meatus posteriorly.
Is the mandibular fossa always covered with cartilage?
No, the fibrous articular cartilage covers the fossa only in its anterior part, which lies anterior to the petrotympanic fissure and forms part of the intracapsular zone of the joint.
Which structure eliminates the mismatch between the fossa and the head of the mandible?
Incongruence between the mandibular fossa and the head of the mandible is eliminated by the articular disc.
What else to study on this topic
- Head of the mandible (caput mandibulae)
- Articular disc (discus articularis)
- Articular tubercle (tuberculum articulare)
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
- Petrotympanic fissure
Study the complete topic in the Anatomy course
This is a summary. The course covers everything tested in classes and exams.
- Complete study guide on the "Mandibular fossa" and 1,363 other subject pages
- Assignments and quizzes after every topic — just like in a colloquium
- AI tutor answers questions on the topic anytime
- 295 video lessons by subject
Other topics in the "Anatomical Structures" section
Free video lessons: AnatomyShort lessons with study notes — no registration required.
Prepared by WhiteCoat Pro faculty in accordance with the medical school curriculum. For educational purposes only.