Final answer:
The mandible articulates with the mandibular fossa and the articular tubercle of the temporal bone, where a flexible articular disc ensures smooth jaw movements at the TMJ.
Step-by-step explanation:
The part of the temporal bone that the mandible articulates with at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) includes two structures: the mandibular fossa and the articular tubercle. The mandible's condyle, or head, joins with these two parts of the temporal bone to form the TMJ. An essential component located between the temporal bone and the mandibular condyle is a flexible articular disc, which smooths the movements of the joint, facilitating various motions such as elevation, depression, protraction, retraction, and side-to-side motions of the lower jaw.