The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is formed by the articulation of the mandible and the temporal bone of the cranium. It is located anteriorly to the tragus of the ear, on the lateral aspect of the face.The joint can be found on both sides of your head in front of your ears. It allows your jaw to open and close, enabling you to speak and eat.

The temporomandibular joint consists of articulations between three surfaces; the mandibular fossa and articular tubercle (from the squamous part of the temporal bone), and the head of mandible.

This joint has a unique mechanism; the articular surfaces of the bones never come into contact with each other – they are separated by an articular disk. The presence of such a disk splits the joint into two synovial joint cavities, each lined by a synovial membrane. The articular surface of the bones are covered by fibrocartilage, not hyaline cartilage.
Pain and compromised movement of the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles.

The temporomandibular joint or TMJ acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. Dysfunction can lead to pain and discomfort. Pain and compromised movement of the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles. These disorders can cause tenderness at the joint, facial pain, and difficulty moving the joint.