The Mandible
Definition
Mandible, the largest and strongest bone of the face
Forms the lower jaw
Holds the lower teeth.
Parts
Horizontal portion, the body.
Two perpendicular portions, the rami.
Alveolar process, the tooth bearing area of the mandible
Condyle, which makes the temporomandibular joint with the temporal bone
Coronoid process, which provides attachment to the temporalis muscle
Foramina
Mandibular foramen - paired
Mental foramen - paired.
Nerves
Inferior alveolar nerve, branch of the mandibular division of Trigeminal (V) nerve
Enters the mandibular foramen and runs forward in the mandibular canal
supplies sensation to the teeth.
At the mental foramen the nerve divides into two terminal branches : incisive and mental nerves.
The incisive nerve supplies the anterior teeth.
The mental nerve exits the mental foramen and supplies the lower lip.
Articulations
The mandible articulates with the two temporal bones - temporomandibular joints.
Applied Anatomy
Injuries
Mandibular fractures are often accompanied by a 'twin fracture' on the contralateral (opposite) side.
The mandible may be dislocated anteriorly and inferiorly from the temporomandibular joint.
