Glossary

"1" is the area of entry of the "retrodiskal tissues", where the nerve and blood vessel fibers enter the joint capsule. "2" is the lateral pole of the condyle, where the joint capsule ligaments attach. The joint capsule resembles a parachute, with the shock lines representative of the joint capsule ligaments. Placing a finger over the lateral poles or in the ear and pushing forward gently with the teeth closed together will produce tenderness if there is inflammation in the joint capsules. The mandible is translated down and forward in the photograph. "3" represents the position of the posterior ramus ("4") when the jaw is closed.