Articular eminence of the temporal bone which bounds the mandibular fossa anteriorly; it forms the anterior root of the zygomatic process; it is enclosed by the articular capsule of the temporomandibular joint with the articular fossa; the head of the mandible (and intervening articular disc) move onto the articular tubercle to allow full depression of mandible (opening of mouth).
Synonym: tuberculum articulare ossis temporalis, articular eminence of temporal bone, eminentia articularis ossis temporalis, tuber zygomaticum.
(05 Mar 2000)