One of the most multifunctional articulations in the body is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It is the point of connection between the jaw and the cranium. The large mandibular condyle on top of the ascending ramus of the mandible fits neatly into the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone. Both the fossa and condyle are large and covered with a serous membrane for easy movement. The synovial membrane of both elements allows for gliding and hingelike movements. The jaw can be both depressed (moved down) opening the mouth and rotated from side to side. This type of movement allows for chewing of food and is not seen in most vertebrates. For example, crocodiles have only an up and down movement of the jaw. Their temporomandibular joint is much more restricted than those in humans.

This high degree of motion is accomplished by the size of the fossa and condyle in addition to some important ligaments. The synovial cavity of the TMJ has both superior and inferior chambers that are covered by the articular disc. The temporomandibular ligament lies deep or under the parotid salivary gland on the lateral side. Its function is to keep the jaw from moving from side to side. This ligament is especially helpful in preventing the jaw, when receiving a hard blow, from pushing upwards into the skull. The companion ligament on the medial side is the sphenomandibular ligament. It extends from the sphenoid bone to the ramus of the mandible.

Two additional ligaments are not considered part of the TMJ, but are nonetheless important. The stylomandibular ligament connects the styloid process to the inferior ramus of the mandible. It prevents too much extension of the jaw. Covering the articular capsule itself is the capsular ligament. This tissue keeps the joint from popping out to the external side.