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Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction and Emotional Stress

Fasciae with direct and indirect relations to TMJ

• Superficial layer of deep cervical fascia. Further attachment of deep fascia along the mastoid processes, superior nuchal lines, and external occipital protuberance. Stylomandibular ligament is a thickened portion of the superficial layer of the deep fascia passing from the styloid process of the temporal bone to the lower border of the mandible.
• Pretracheal fascia
• Prevertebral fascia attaches above to the under surface of the basilar portion of the occiput and continuing down in front of the vertebral bodies.
• Buccopharyngeal fascia
• Pharyngobasilar fascia attaches to the occiput, thence laterally to the angular spine of the sphenoid, the under surface of the petrous portion of the temporal bone, the medial pterygoid plate, the pterygomandibular ligament, and the mandible.
• Pterygoid fascia. The fascial sheath of the pterygoid muscle attached to the basilar surface of the skull.
• Lateral pterygoid fascia.
• Interpterygoid fascia from the angular spine of the sphenoid to the lateral lamellae of the pterygoid processes.
• Sphenomandibular ligament
• Capsule of the parotid gland
• Capsule of the submaxillary gland
• Carotid sheath from the skull base, housing the carotid artery, jugular vein, and tenth cranial nerve. The ninth cranial nerve, passing through the jugular foramen, is in intimate contact with this sheath.(Cathie, 1952)
• Fascial envelopes surrounding the nerves, blood vessels, and so on, passing through the base of the skull.(Magoun, 1975)