subsellia

Subsellia refers to the anatomical term for the inferior aspect of the saddle-shaped articular surface of a bone. This term is most commonly used in the context of the temporal bone of the skull, specifically referring to the inferior part of the articular tubercle of the temporal bone. This tubercle is a rounded eminence located on the anterior root of the zygomatic process of the temporal bone. The subsellia, therefore, is the downward-facing portion of this articular surface, which articulates with the mandibular condyle during jaw movement. It plays a role in the stability and function of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Variations in the shape and prominence of the subsellia can influence the biomechanics of the TMJ and may be a factor in certain temporomandibular disorders. While primarily an anatomical descriptor, the term might occasionally appear in discussions related to paleoanthropology when describing fossilized cranial structures.