Mandibular

Mandibular refers to anything related to the mandible, the lower jawbone in humans and most vertebrates. The mandible is the largest, strongest, and lowest bone in the human face. It forms the lower jaw and holds the lower teeth in place. The mandible sits beneath the maxilla. It is the only movable bone of the skull (discounting the ossicles of the middle ear).

Anatomy

The mandible consists of two main parts. The body of the mandible is the horizontal portion at the bottom. The ramus of the mandible is the vertical portion on either side. The body and ramus meet at the angle of the mandible.

The body of the mandible contains the mental protuberance (the chin) and the alveolar process, which holds the lower teeth. The ramus of the mandible has two processes: the coronoid process and the condylar process. The coronoid process is the insertion point for the temporalis muscle, which closes the jaw. The condylar process forms the temporomandibular joint with the skull.

Function

The mandible plays a vital role in many common tasks, including chewing, speech, and facial expression.

Clinical significance

Conditions that can affect the mandible include fractures, dislocations, cancer, and infections. Treatment for these conditions may include surgery, medication, or other therapies.

See also

• Maxilla
• Skull
• Temporomandibular joint
• Mandibular nerve
• Mandibular canal

Mandibular Resources
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