The medial capsule of the human temporomandibular joint

PURPOSE: Attachments of the medial capsule of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to structures other than the medial fossa wall are thought to exist and to have functional significance. This study evaluated these relationships. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anatomic relationships between the medial capsule and other medial structures, the sphenomandibular ligament, discomalleolar ligament, and auriculotemporal nerve, were examined in 14 cadaver heads. RESULTS: The results showed that the sphenomandibular ligament attaches separately from the medial capsule of the TMJ and therefore has no functional significance to the biomechanics of the joint. The discomalleolar ligament was found to be a continuation of the retrodiscal tissues and minimally associated with the medial capsule. The auriculotemporal nerve was not found to be in a relationship with the medial aspect of the condyle to the extent that mechanical irritation is possible during TMJ movement or disc displacement.