Related Experiment Videos
Anatomical considerations on the discomalleolar ligament
J F Rodríguez-Vázquez1, J R Mérida-Velasco, J A Mérida-Velasco
1Departamento de Ciencias Morfológicas II, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, España. jfrodvaz@eucmax.sim.ucm.es
Journal of Anatomy
|September 2, 1998
Summary
The discomalleolar ligament, located in the temporomandibular joint, originates from the joint disc and extends to the malleus. This study clarifies its intrinsic nature and distinguishes it from other ligaments.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Temporomandibular Joint Anatomy
- Head and Neck Anatomy
Background:
- The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) capsule has complex internal structures.
- The precise anatomical classification of certain TMJ ligaments remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anatomical characteristics of the discomalleolar ligament.
- To determine the discomalleolar ligament's classification within the temporomandibular joint.
Main Methods:
- Dissection of adult human cadavers.
- Detailed morphological and anatomical analysis of the discomalleolar ligament.
Main Results:
- The discomalleolar ligament is identified as the innermost part of the superior lamina of the TMJ capsule.
- It connects the posterior-medial aspect of the TMJ disc to the malleus of the middle ear via the petrotympanic fissure.
Conclusions:
- The discomalleolar ligament should be classified as an intrinsic ligament of the temporomandibular joint.
- It is anatomically distinct from the tympanic portion of the sphenomandibular ligament (anterior ligament of the malleus).