What is tmj?

Jaw joint: Tmj stands for temporomandibular joint. It is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the base of the skull at two areas or joints. It sometimes refers to conditions that involve this anatomical area that today are referred to as tmd, temporomandibular disorders.

Jaw joint: It is your temporal mandibular joint. The area were your lower jaw ( the mandible ) connects to the skull (glenoid fossa) by a series of ligaments and muscles. When the joint breaks down it is referred to a tmd, which is temporal mandibular disfunction.

Anatomy: Tmj just refers to the anatomical complex comprising the (t) temporal bone of the upper maxilla, (m) mandible- lower jaw and the (j) joints where the bones fit together into a working unit. It is a lot more complicated than that, but suffice it to say that a more adequate description of problems with TMJ would better be described as tmd (temporomandibular dysfunction) or TMJ syndrome.

Multiple symptoms: Some of the more common tmd symptoms are clicking or popping in the jaw joint, limited opening, pain on opening in the joint area, pain in the muscles associated with chewing, pain while chewing, locking open or closed and noticeable deviation of the jaw to one side when opening. If you have any of these my advice would be to consult with a dentist that treats jaw joint issues.

A few things: Common TMJ symptoms: pain/tenderness of face, jaw joint area, ear, neck and shoulders, limited mouth opening, jaws that get "stuck" or "lock" in the open- or closed-mouth position, jaw joint clicking, popping, or grating sounds, , painful chewing, ear symptoms (hearing loss, imbalance, ear ringing, stuffiness). Complicated problem to sort out. See a board certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon.

Medical definition: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome or dysfunction. The TMJ is classed as a ginglymoarthrodial joint. Take care.

TMJ: Your temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull, which are in front of each ear. It lets you move your jaw up and down and side to side, so you can talk, chew, and yawn. http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/temporomandibular-disorders-tmd#1