Dental Terms
Understand dental terms and concepts.
J
Jaw Joint
Dental terminology: Temporomandibular Joint, TMJ
The anatomical term for the jaw joint is "Temporomandibular joint," named because its bony elements include the temporal bone of the skull and the mandible (lower jaw bone). The temporomandibular joint both rotates and translates (moves down and forward).
Author: Symbyos staff • Medical review: Thomas J. Greany DDS • Last updated: 02/10/2021