Mandibular canal

The Mandibular Canal is a significant anatomical structure in the mandible, or lower jawbone. It is a canal within the mandible that contains the inferior alveolar nerve, the inferior alveolar artery and vein, and the inferior dental plexus.

Etymology

The term "mandibular" is derived from the Latin word "mandibula," which means "jaw" or "jawbone." The term "canal" comes from the Latin word "canalis," which means "pipe" or "tube."

Anatomy

The mandibular canal begins at the mandibular foramen and runs obliquely downward and forward in the ramus, and then horizontally forward in the body, where it is placed under the alveoli and communicates with them by small openings. On arriving at the incisor teeth, it turns back to communicate with the mental foramen, giving off two small canals which run to the cavities containing the incisor teeth.

Clinical significance

The mandibular canal is of clinical significance in dentistry, particularly in procedures involving the lower jaw, such as the extraction of wisdom teeth, placement of dental implants, and during root canal treatment. Damage to the canal during these procedures can result in paresthesia, or altered sensation in the lower lip and chin.

Related terms

• Inferior alveolar nerve
• Inferior alveolar artery
• Inferior alveolar vein
• Inferior dental plexus
• Mandibular foramen
• Alveoli
• Mental foramen
• Wisdom teeth
• Dental implants
• Root canal
• Paresthesia

Mandibular_canal

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  Diagram of the mandibular canal
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  Mandibular incisive canal highlighted
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  Mandibular canal
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  Mandibular canal