mandibular fossa

In the temporal bone, the mandibular fossa is bounded anteriorly by the articular tubercle and posteriorly by the tympanic portion of the temporal bone, which separates it from the external acoustic meatus. The fossa is divided into two parts by a narrow slit, the petrotympanic fissure (Glaserian fissure). It is concave in shape to receive the condyloid process of the mandible.{{Cite book|last1=Mehta|first1=Noshir R.|chapter-url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323041843500285|title=Raj's Practical Management of Pain|last2=Scrivani|first2=Steven J.|last3=Maciewicz|first3=Raymond|publisher=Mosby|year=2008|isbn=978-0-323-04184-3|edition=4th|pages=505–527|language=en|chapter=25 - Dental and Facial Pain|doi=10.1016/B978-032304184-3.50028-5}}

The mandibular fossa develops from condylar cartilage. This may be stimulated by SOX9 or ALK2, as has been seen in mouse models.{{Cite book|last1=Hinton|first1=Robert J.|chapter-url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0070215315000447|title=Current Topics in Developmental Biology|last2=Jing|first2=Junjun|last3=Feng|first3=Jian Q.|publisher=Elsevier|year=2015|isbn=978-0-12-408141-3|volume=115|pages=85–109|language=en|chapter=Four - Genetic Influences on Temporomandibular Joint Development and Growth|doi=10.1016/bs.ctdb.2015.07.008|pmid=26589922 |issn=0070-2153}}

The condyloid process of the mandible articulates with the temporal bone of the skull at the mandibular fossa.{{Cite book|last1=Lantz|first1=Gary C.|chapter-url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780702046186000336|title=Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Dogs and Cats|last2=Verstraete|first2=Frank J. M.|publisher=Saunders|year=2012|isbn=978-0-7020-4618-6|pages=321–332|language=en|chapter=33 - Fractures and luxations involving the temporomandibular joint|doi=10.1016/B978-0-7020-4618-6.00033-6}}{{Cite book|last1=Willard|first1=V. P.|chapter-url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780080552941002506|title=Comprehensive Biomaterials|last2=Zhang|first2=L.|last3=Athanasiou|first3=K. A.|publisher=Elsevier Science|year=2011|isbn=978-0-08-055294-1|volume=5|pages=221–235|language=en|chapter=5.517 - Tissue Engineering of the Temporomandibular Joint|doi=10.1016/B978-0-08-055294-1.00250-6}}

Problems with morphogenesis during embryonic development can lead to the mandibular fossa not forming. This may be caused by mutations to SOX9 or ALK2.

If the mandibular fossa is very shallow, this can cause problems with the strength of the temporomandibular joint.{{Cite book|last=Lantz|first=Gary C.|chapter-url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780702046186000555|title=Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Dogs and Cats|publisher=Saunders|year=2012|isbn=978-0-7020-4618-6|pages=531–537|language=en|chapter=55 - Temporomandibular joint dysplasia|doi=10.1016/B978-0-7020-4618-6.00055-5}} This can lead to easy subluxation of the joint and trismus (lock jaw). Deformation of the mandibular fossa, often part of temporomandibular dysplasia, causes similar problems in dogs.{{Cite book|last=Jerram|first=Richard M.|chapter-url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B0721604226500991|title=Saunders Manual of Small Animal Practice|date=2006-01-01|publisher=Saunders|isbn=978-0-7216-0422-0|edition=3rd|pages=1037–1042|language=en|chapter=97 - Fractures and Dislocations of the Mandible|doi=10.1016/B0-72-160422-6/50099-1}}{{Cite book|last1=Kealy|first1=J. Kevin|chapter-url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9781437701500100050|title=Diagnostic Radiology and Ultrasonography of the Dog and Cat|last2=McAllister|first2=Hester|last3=Graham|first3=John P.|date=2011-01-01|publisher=Saunders|isbn=978-1-4377-0150-0|edition=5th|pages=447–541|language=en|chapter=5 - The Skull and Vertebral Column}} This may resolve spontaneously, or require surgery.

The mandibular fossa is also known as the glenoid fossa in some dental literature.{{Cite journal|last1=Groell|first1=R|last2=Fleischmann|first2=B|date=1999-03-01|title=The pneumatic spaces of the temporal bone: relationship to the temporomandibular joint.|url=https://www.birpublications.org/doi/abs/10.1038/sj/dmfr/4600414|journal=Dentomaxillofacial Radiology|volume=28|issue=2|pages=69–72|doi=10.1038/sj/dmfr/4600414|pmid=10522194|issn=0250-832X|via=DMFR}}

The mandibular fossa is a feature of the skulls of various other animals, including dogs.

• Temporomandibular joint

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Category:Bones of the head and neck

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