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temporomandibular joint

noun

: the diarthrosis between the temporal bone and mandible that includes the condyloid process below separated by an articular disc from the glenoid fossa above and that allows for the opening, closing, protrusion, retraction, and lateral movement of the mandible
abbreviation TMJ

Cite this Entry

“Temporomandibular joint.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/temporomandibular%20joint. Accessed 3 Dec. 2025.

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