Human mandible

General Information
Latin	Mandibula
Greek
TA98
TA2
FMA
Details
System	Skeletal system
Artery	Inferior alveolar artery
Vein	Inferior alveolar vein
Nerve	Inferior alveolar nerve
Lymphatic drainage
Precursor	Pharyngeal arch
Function
Identifiers
Clinical significance
Notes

The human mandible, commonly known as the lower jaw, is the largest, strongest, and lowest bone in the human facial skeleton. It forms the lower jaw and holds the lower teeth in place. The mandible sits beneath the maxilla and is the only movable bone of the skull, playing a crucial role in mastication (chewing) and speech.

Anatomy

The mandible consists of a horizontal curved portion, the body, and two perpendicular portions, the rami, which unite with the ends of the body nearly at right angles.

Body

The body of the mandible is curved, and its upper border, known as the alveolar part, contains the sockets for the lower teeth. The lower border is the base, which is thick and rounded.

Rami

The rami are two vertical extensions of the body. Each ramus has two processes:

• The condylar process, which articulates with the temporal bone to form the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
• The coronoid process, which serves as the attachment for the temporalis muscle.

Development

The mandible is derived from the first pharyngeal arch during embryonic development. It ossifies from a single center in the mandibular symphysis and grows through both intramembranous and endochondral ossification.

Function

The primary functions of the mandible include:

• Supporting the lower teeth.
• Facilitating mastication by moving in various directions.
• Assisting in speech by providing a movable base for the tongue and lips.

Clinical significance

Fractures of the mandible are common due to its prominence and exposure. They can occur in various locations, such as the body, angle, or condylar region, and may require surgical intervention.

See also

• Maxilla
• Temporomandibular joint
• Facial skeleton

References

S.,

 Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice, 
 41st edition, 
 Elsevier, 
 2016, 
  
  
 ISBN 978-0-7020-5230-9,

External links

• Human mandible on WikiMD