It also prevents the condyloid process from being driven upward by a blow to the jaw, which would otherwise fracture the base of the skull.

The temporomandibular ligament originates from the lower articular tubercle of the zygomatic arch.

[1] It attaches to the lateral and posterior border of the neck of the mandible.

The temporomandibular ligament constrains the mandible as it opens, keeping the condyloid process close to the joint.

It also prevents the condyloid process from being driven upward by a blow to the jaw, which would otherwise fracture the base of the skull.