The condyle of the mandible is a convex surface that articulates
with the shallow concave articular fossa of the zygomatic arch (through
the articular disk). The condyle is not resting on the articular
fossa, but is hanging from it. The condyle is held in place
against the zygomatic arch by the joint capsule and ligaments. Perhaps
a good analogy is a basketball being held against the ceiling by a tall
basketball player. The basketball is not supported by the ceiling,
it is hanging from the ceiling. The basketball is held in place against
the ceiling by a basketball player's hand.