Stylomandibular ligament

The stylomandibular ligament is the thickened posterior portion of the investing cervical fascia around the neck. It extends from near the apex of the styloid process of the temporal bone to the angle and posterior border of the angle of the mandible, between the masseter muscle and medial pterygoid muscle. The stylomandibular ligament limits mandibular movements, such as preventing excessive opening.

Stylomandibular ligament
Articulation of the mandible. Medial aspect. (Stylomandibular lig. labeled at center left.)
Muscles of the pharynx, viewed from behind, together with the associated vessels and nerves. (Styl. mand. lig. labeled at center left.)
Details
Systemskeletal
Fromstyloid process (temporal)
Toramus of the mandible
Identifiers
Latinligamentum stylomandibulare
TA98A03.1.07.008
TA21569
FMA57083
Anatomical terminology

Structure

The stylomandibular ligament extends from near the apex of the styloid process of the temporal bone to the angle and posterior border of the angle of the mandible, between the masseter muscle and medial pterygoid muscle. From its deep surface, some fibers of the styloglossus muscle originate. Although classed among the ligaments of the temporomandibular joint, it can only be considered as accessory to it.

Function

The stylomandibular ligament, along with the sphenomandibular ligament, limits mandibular movements, such as preventing excessive opening.[1]

Clinical significance

The stylomandibular ligament is important for maintaining stability of the mandible after maxillofacial surgery.[1]

References

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 298 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

  1. Beukes, J.; Reyneke, J. P.; Becker, P. J. (2013-01-01). "Medial pterygoid muscle and stylomandibular ligament: the effects on postoperative stability". International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 42 (1): 43–48. doi:10.1016/j.ijom.2012.05.010. ISSN 0901-5027 – via ScienceDirect.
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