The stylomandibular ligament connects the styloid process of the temporal bone to the posterior border and angle of the mandible, forming the posterior boundary of the parotid bed and separating the parotid and submandibular glands.
Limits excessive protrusion of the mandible, acts as the posterior suspensory ligament of the jaw, and separates the parotid (above) from the submandibular gland (below) in the deep cervical fascia system.
Eagle syndrome involves elongation of the styloid process that stretches or irritates the stylomandibular ligament, producing throat pain radiating to the ear and jaw. Styloidectomy shortens the elongated styloid and releases the ligament. In total parotidectomy, the stylomandibular ligament is divided to allow access to the deep parotid lobe.
Stylomandibular ligament irritation from an elongated styloid process producing jaw angle pain and restricted mouth opening, managed by styloid shortening surgery.
Impingement of the stylomandibular ligament on the mandibular angle during extreme mouth opening, producing posterior jaw pain at wide opening.
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