Mandibular condyle

The mandibular condyle (or the head of mandible) is the upper part of the condylar process of mandible. It is crucial for the jaw's movement in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint is divided into upper and lower sections by a fibrous articular disc. The mandibular condyle articulates with this disc to enable the jaw to open and close like a hinge in the joint's lower section. In the upper section, both the articular disc and the mandibular condyle slide forward or backward. Moving forward, the mandibular condyle and the disc fit under a part of the temporal bone called the articular tubercle, while moving back, they return to their original position in the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone.

Below the mandibular condyle is its neck. The TMJ's fibrous capsule completely surrounds the mandibular condyle and attaches around the neck of the condylar process, securing everything in place.