Inferior maxillary bone

Inferior Maxillary Bone

The Inferior Maxillary Bone, more commonly known as the mandible or lower jawbone, is the largest, strongest, and lowest bone in the human face. It plays a crucial role in the skeletal system, providing structure to the lower face, holding the lower teeth in place, and facilitating movements necessary for chewing and speech.

Anatomy

The mandible consists of a horizontal arch, which holds the teeth, and two perpendicular portions, or rami, which unite with the ends of the arch. The anatomy of the mandible can be divided into several key areas:

• Body of Mandible: The horizontal, horseshoe-shaped part, which contains the lower teeth.
• Ramus of Mandible: The vertical or ascending part on either end of the body, which articulates with the temporal bone at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), enabling jaw movement.
• Alveolar Process: The part of the mandible that holds the teeth. It contains sockets called alveoli, where the teeth are anchored.
• Mandibular Foramen: Located on the inner surface of each ramus, this foramen allows the passage of the inferior alveolar nerve and vessels.
• Mental Foramen: Located on the body of the mandible, this foramen allows the passage of the mental nerve and vessels, providing sensation to the lower lip and chin.

Function

The primary functions of the mandible include:

• Supporting the lower teeth
• Facilitating mastication (chewing) through movements like elevation, depression, protraction, and retraction
• Playing a role in the first phase of digestion by breaking down food
• Contributing to speech and facial expressions

Development

The mandible is unique in that it is the only bone in the human body that forms from a fusion of two bilaterally symmetrical halves during the first year of life. This process is known as mandibular symphysis.

Clinical Significance

The mandible can be subject to various conditions, including fractures, dislocations, and diseases such as osteomyelitis and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD). Treatment for mandibular conditions can range from medical management to surgical interventions, depending on the severity and cause of the condition.

See Also

• Maxilla
• Skull
• Temporomandibular Joint
• Osteomyelitis
• Temporomandibular Joint Disorder