The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are the hinges located on both sides of the face in front of the ears that connect the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. The joints work in combined effort with five pairs of muscles and the facial bones to allow the opening and closing of the mouth, and side-to-side, forward, and backward movements of the lower jaw. A disk (also called meniscus or articular fibrocartilage) in the joint acts as a protective cushion between the lower jaw and the skull. Normal alignment of the disk in the joint allows for the proper functioning of the jaw for speaking, eating, and swallowing.