Mandibular fossa

The mandibular fossa is the depression in the temporal bone that articulates with the mandible. In the temporal bone, the mandibular fossa is bounded, in front, by the articular tubercle; behind, by the tympanic part of the temporal bone, which separates it from the external acoustic meatus; it is divided into two parts by a narrow slit, the petrotympanic fissure (Glaserian fissure). The mandibular fossa is also referred to as the glenoid fossa, especially in dental literature.