Corpus: Sphenomandibular ligament
1. Definition
The sphenomandibular ligament is a ligament that runs from the sphenoidal spine of the sphenoid bone to the lingula of the mandible on the inside of the mandbile. It serves to stabilize the temporomandibular joint.
2. Background
The sphenomandibular ligament is a relict of Meckel's cartilage. It can be fused with the medial capsular wall of the temporomandibular joint in the cranial section.
3. Topography
The sphenomandibular ligament is topographically connected to the following anatomical structures:
- lateral side: lateral pterygoid muscle, maxillary artery, inferior alveolar artery, inferior alveolar nerve, parotid gland
- medial side: medial pterygoid muscle