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Articular tubercle

Medically Reviewed by Anatomy Team

  • Last updated on January 18, 2025

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The articular tubercle is a small bony projection found in the human body.[8] It is located on the temporal bone, a bone in the skull that forms the lower portion of the temporal fossa and part of the lateral wall of the skull. [3]The articular tubercle is an important structure in the body as it serves several important functions and has clinical significance in various medical conditions.

Structure

The articular tubercle is a small, rounded bony projection that arises from the inferior aspect of the temporal bone.[7] It is located on the posterior surface of the temporal bone, close to the external auditory meatus.[4] It is a part of the temporal bone and is made up of compact bone. It has a smooth surface and is covered by a thin layer of articular cartilage.

Location

The articular tubercle is located on the posterior surface of the temporal bone, close to the external auditory meatus. It is located on the inferior aspect of the temporal bone, near the base of the skull.[2]

It is located near several important structures in the head and neck region, including the auditory canal, the styloid process, and the parotid gland.[6]

Function

The articular tubercle serves several important functions in the body. It is an important attachment site for several muscles and ligaments that are involved in the movement of the head and neck.[1] These muscles and ligaments include the temporalis muscle, the masseter muscle, and the stylohyoid ligament.

It is also an important attachment site for the meniscus of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The meniscus is a thin, crescent-shaped fibrocartilage that acts as a shock absorber and helps to distribute forces evenly across the joint.[5] The articular tubercle helps to stabilize the TMJ and allows for smooth and painless movement of the jaw.

References

  1. Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2017). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (8th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. ISBN: 978-1496347213.
  2. Gray, H., & Standring, S. (2020). Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (42nd ed.). Elsevier. ISBN: 978-0702077050.
  3. Drake, R. L., Vogl, W., & Mitchell, A. W. M. (2020). Gray’s Anatomy for Students (4th ed.). Elsevier. ISBN: 978-0323393041.
  4. Snell, R. S. (2019). Clinical Anatomy by Regions (10th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. ISBN: 978-1496345646.
  5. Netter, F. H. (2018). Atlas of Human Anatomy (7th ed.). Elsevier. ISBN: 978-0323393225.
  6. Saladin, K. S. (2020). Anatomy & Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education. ISBN: 978-1260453952.
  7. Rohen, J. W., Yokochi, C., & Lütjen-Drecoll, E. (2015). Color Atlas of Anatomy: A Photographic Study of the Human Body (8th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. ISBN: 978-1451193183.
  8. Williams, P. L., Bannister, L. H., Berry, M. M., et al. (1995). Gray’s Anatomy (38th ed.). Churchill Livingstone. ISBN: 978-0443045608.