Which ligament runs from spine of the sphenoid bone to the lingula of the mandible?

• A. Spheno (medial)
• B. Temporo (lateral)
• C. Stylo (posterior)
• D. Stylomandibular

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is the ligament that provides a medial, suspensory connection for the mandible. The sphenomandibular ligament runs from the spine of the sphenoid bone down to the lingula of the mandible. This creates a passive supportive sling that helps suspend the mandible and helps limit excessive opening or forward movement. The lingula marks the site near the mandibular foramen where the ligament attaches, which is why this ligament uniquely ties the sphenoid to the mandible at that lingular area.

Other ligaments connect different parts: the temporomandibular ligament goes from the articular capsule near the condyle to the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, and the stylomandibular ligament extends from the styloid process to the angle of the mandible.