Sphenomandibular ligament
The sphenomandibular ligament is one of the three ligaments of the temporomandibular joint. It is situated medially to - and generally separate from - the articular capsule of the joint. Superiorly, it is attached to the spine of the sphenoid bone; inferiorly, it is attached to the lingula of mandible. The SML acts to limit inferior-ward movement of the mandible.
The SML is derived from Meckel's cartilage.
Anatomy
The SML is a tough,'flat, thin band. It broadens inferiorly, measuring about 12 mm in width on average at the point of its inferior attachment.It is derived from the perichondrium of Meckel's cartilage.
Attachments
Superiorly, the SML is attached to the spine of the sphenoid bone (spina angularis by a narrow attachment.Inferiorly, it is attached at to lingula of mandible and the inferior margin of the mandibular foramen.
Anatomical relations
The lateral pterygoid muscle, auriculotemporal nerve, and the maxillary artery and maxillary vein are situated laterally to the SML.The chorda tympani nerve is situated medially to the SML near its upper end.
The medial pterygoid muscle is situated inferolaterally to the SML.
The inferior alveolar nerve, artery and vein, and a parotid lobule are situated anteroinferiorly to the SML.
The SML is pierced by the mylohyoid nerve and the accompanying mylohyoid artery and vein.
Any remaining space between the SML and mandible is taken up by the parotid gland. Between the SML and the pharynx are situated adipose tissue, and a pharyngeal vein.