TMJ

Medical abbreviation · Anatomy

TMJ
Stands forTemporomandibular joint
CategoriesMedical

TMJ stands for Temporomandibular joint, an anatomy abbreviation.

Hinge-and-glide joint connecting the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone just in front of each ear, used for chewing, speaking and yawning. In everyday speech "TMJ" also refers to jaw pain and clicking, more precisely called temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

Example: Clicking in the left TMJ with limited opening after a long dental procedure.

Usage notes

Each joint contains a fibrocartilage disc that can slip forward, producing clicking or locking. Temporomandibular disorders are common, more frequent in women, and most improve with conservative care such as a soft diet, night guards and physical therapy. Dentists, oral surgeons and ENT specialists all treat the condition.

More anatomy abbreviations

  • Abd – Abdomen (abdominal)
  • AC – Acromioclavicular (joint)
  • ACL – Anterior cruciate ligament
  • ANS – Autonomic nervous system
  • Ao – Aorta
  • ASIS – Anterior superior iliac spine
  • ATFL – Anterior talofibular ligament
  • BBB – Blood-brain barrier
  • C-spine – Cervical spine
  • C1 – First cervical vertebra (atlas)
  • C2 – Second cervical vertebra (axis)
  • C5-C6 – Fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae (intervertebral level)

See all 70 anatomy abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.