February 06, 2026 - Study Club session
TMJ Anatomy: What Actually Matters (and What Nobody Tells You)
This study club program reviews the functional anatomy of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with emphasis on the neural, muscular, and vascular structures that influence pain presentation and symptom referral. Participants will examine how the TMJ functions as part of an integrated craniofacial system rather than as an isolated joint.
The course focuses on clinically relevant anatomy, including key cranial nerve pathways, mechanisms of referred pain, and the role of vascular supply and inflammation in TMJ-related symptoms. Case-based discussion will be used to illustrate why TMJ disorders frequently present as headaches, ear symptoms, facial pain, or neck discomfort, and why imaging findings may not correlate with patient-reported symptoms. The program is designed to support improved diagnostic reasoning, patient assessment, and treatment planning related to TMJ disorders.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:
Describe the functional anatomy of the temporomandibular joint and its relationship to surrounding neural, muscular, and vascular structures.
Identify major cranial nerves involved in TMJ-related pain and symptom referral.
Explain common patterns of referred pain associated with TMJ dysfunction.
Discuss the influence of vascular anatomy and inflammation on TMJ-related pain presentation.
Recognize clinical situations in which TMJ-related symptoms may be present despite minimal or inconclusive imaging findings.
Apply an understanding of functional TMJ anatomy to improve clinical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment planning decisions.