Condyloid process
Encyclopedia
The condyloid process is part of the mandible and is thicker than the coronoid, and consists of two portions: the condyle, and the constricted portion which supports it, the neck.
; it is convex from before backward and from side to side, and extends farther on the posterior than on the anterior surface.
Its long axis is directed medialward and slightly backward, and if prolonged to the middle line will meet that of the opposite condyle near the anterior margin of the foramen magnum.
At the lateral extremity of the condyle is a small tubercle for the attachment of the temporomandibular ligament
.
The articular surface of the condyle is covered by fibrous tissue, and interfaces with an articular disk (or meniscus) of avascular, non-innervated fibrous tissue (collagen, fibroblasts). When the mouth is closed the meniscus is bordered medially and superiorly by the glenoid fossa of the petrous portion of the temporal bone. When the mouth is opened maximally, the meniscus is distracted anteriorly and inferiorly along the slope of the inferior portion of the temporal bone towards the tubercle, or articular eminence, in order to remain interposed between the condyle and the temoporal bone in all jaw positions.
Its posterior surface is convex; its anterior presents a depression for the attachment of the Pterygoideus externus (lateral pterygoid muscle
).
Condyle
The condyle presents an articular surface for articulation with the articular disk of the temporomandibular jointTemporomandibular joint
The temporomandibular joint is the joint of the jaw and is frequently referred to as TMJ. There are two TMJs, one on either side, working in unison. The name is derived from the two bones which form the joint: the upper temporal bone which is part of the cranium , and the lower jaw bone called the...
; it is convex from before backward and from side to side, and extends farther on the posterior than on the anterior surface.
Its long axis is directed medialward and slightly backward, and if prolonged to the middle line will meet that of the opposite condyle near the anterior margin of the foramen magnum.
At the lateral extremity of the condyle is a small tubercle for the attachment of the temporomandibular ligament
Temporomandibular ligament
The temporomandibular ligament consists of two short, narrow fasciculi, one in front of the other, attached, above, to the lateral surface of the zygomatic arch and to the tubercle on its lower border; below, to the lateral surface and posterior border of the neck of the mandible.It is broader...
.
The articular surface of the condyle is covered by fibrous tissue, and interfaces with an articular disk (or meniscus) of avascular, non-innervated fibrous tissue (collagen, fibroblasts). When the mouth is closed the meniscus is bordered medially and superiorly by the glenoid fossa of the petrous portion of the temporal bone. When the mouth is opened maximally, the meniscus is distracted anteriorly and inferiorly along the slope of the inferior portion of the temporal bone towards the tubercle, or articular eminence, in order to remain interposed between the condyle and the temoporal bone in all jaw positions.
Neck
The neck is flattened from before backward, and strengthened by ridges which descend from the forepart and sides of the condyle.Its posterior surface is convex; its anterior presents a depression for the attachment of the Pterygoideus externus (lateral pterygoid muscle
Lateral pterygoid muscle
The lateral pterygoid is a muscle of mastication with two heads. It lies superiorly to the medial pterygoid.-Origin and insertion:...
).