Definition

1. Noun:
   • A deep concavity in the temporal bone: The mandibular fossa is a specific anatomical depression located in the temporal bone of the skull.
   • Receives the condyle of the mandible: Its primary function is to serve as the socket that articulates with the condyle (the rounded end) of the lower jawbone (mandible), forming the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The mandibular fossa is a key component of the temporomandibular joint.
  • Arthritis can affect the cartilage lining the mandibular fossa.
  • The condyle of the mandible fits into the mandibular fossa.

Advanced Usage

• "Glenoid fossa": In older or alternative anatomical terminology, the mandibular fossa is sometimes referred to as the glenoid fossa of the temporal bone, though this usage is less precise in modern anatomy.
  • The glenoid fossa, more accurately termed the mandibular fossa, is part of the temporal bone.

Variants and Related Words

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) (n): The entire joint complex formed by the mandibular condyle and the mandibular fossa.
  • Pain in the temporomandibular joint can originate from the mandibular fossa.
• Articular fossa (n): A more general term for a joint socket; the mandibular fossa is a specific type of articular fossa.
• Condyle (n): The rounded prominence of the mandible that fits into the mandibular fossa.

Synonyms

• Glenoid fossa (of the temporal bone): An older synonym, though not perfectly equivalent in modern precise terminology.

Related Phrases

• Fossa of the temporal bone: A descriptive phrase indicating its location.
  • The surgeon examined the fossa of the temporal bone for signs of erosion.

Noun

1. a deep concavity in the temporal bone at the root of the zygomatic arch that receives the condyle of the mandible