Development of the human sphenomandibular ligament

Abstract

The development and arrangement of the sphenomandibular ligament of 60 human embryos and fetuses were studied. Meckel's cartilage appeared as a single, continuous fibrous structure lying between the mandibular lingula and the malleus of the middle ear in fetuses of 210 mm crown-rump length (22 weeks of age) and over. This structure constitutes the malleolomandibular ligament, and two clearly differentiated portions bound by the tympanosquamosal fissure could be seen: a juxtaarticular portion, inserted on the posterior edge of the interpterygoid aponeurosis, and a tympanic portion, onto which the disc of the temporomandibular joint inserted. Some of the authors consider that if tension is applied to the sphenomandibular ligament this may injure the middle ear. The anatomical arrangement of the sphenomandibular ligament could explain these injuries.

Tinnitus and a Linked Stomatognathic System

“…134,135,136,137,138,139,140141,142,143,144 DML and AML are responsible for such bone communication and connection; they are attached to the oscicular chain (malleus) and may create a biomechanical connection between the middle ear and the mandible. 145,146,147,148 These findings is corroborated in 23 human temporal bone specimens ( Figure 13) that consistently show these ligamental structures. 149 These ligamental structures may be stretched by a TMJ disorder, which could affect middle ear oscicular equilibrium; although, there is controversy about their ability to disturb the oscicular chain.…”

“…149 These ligamental structures may be stretched by a TMJ disorder, which could affect middle ear oscicular equilibrium; although, there is controversy about their ability to disturb the oscicular chain. 150,151,152,153 The spread of forces through cranial bone sutures was treated by Libin in 1987 and suggested that ligaments common to neighbouring structures could become tensioned during normal physiological mobilization and in abnormal temporal bone trauma. 154 Retrodiscal tissue elasticity can normally act as an energy buffer in spreading movement from the TMJ to the middle ear by such common ligaments; however, TMJ disc luxation or oedematous pressure from an inflammatory disorder could certainly cause tension on the malleus through Huguier's canal.…”

Macroscopic Anatomy of the Sphenomandibular Ligament Related to the Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block

“…[11][12][13][14] However, few reports 15 described the attaching style of the sphenomandibular ligament to the mandible. Therefore, in this study, the sphenomandibular ligament and its attaching style to the mandible was observed.…”

Distribution of elastic fibers in the head and neck: a histological study using late-stage human fetuses

“…In fetal heads, Meckel's and Reichert's cartilages show a significant change in morphology as the final derivatives form [22-25]. Calcification can occur in either of these cartilages at specific sites such as the ear ossicles and styloid process.…”