The temporomandibular joint is the small joint located in front of each ear where the lower jaw (mandible) and skull (temporal bone) come together. This joint allows the lower jaw to move up, down, and side-to-side so that we can talk, chew, and yawn.
The TMJ is a complex joint with many moving parts. It has a ball-and-socket design, with the ball being the rounded end of the lower jawbone (mandibular condyle) and the socket being a depression in the temporal bone. The ball and socket are connected by ligaments and muscles, which allow the joint to move smoothly
The TMJ is one of the most used joints in the body and is subjected to extensive wear and tear. Extensive wear can sometimes lead to problems with the joints, muscles, or ligaments. These problems are collectively known as TMJ disorders.