In the temporal bone, the mandibular fossa is bounded anteriorly by the articular tubercle and posteriorly by the tympanic portion of the temporal bone, which separates it from the external acoustic meatus.

[2] The condyloid process of the mandible articulates with the temporal bone of the skull at the mandibular fossa.

[3][4] Problems with morphogenesis during embryonic development can lead to the mandibular fossa not forming.

[2] If the mandibular fossa is very shallow, this can cause problems with the strength of the temporomandibular joint.

[5] Deformation of the mandibular fossa, often part of temporomandibular dysplasia, causes similar problems in dogs.