Mandible vs Sternum
| Property | Mandible | Sternum |
|---|---|---|
| Latin Name | Os mandibulae | Os sternum |
| Type | Bone | Bone |
| Body System | Skeletal | Skeletal |
| Body Region | Face | Thorax |
| Function | The only movable bone of the skull, forming the lower jaw. Essential for mastication (chewing), speech articulation, and maintaining the lower dental arch. | The flat bone in the center of the anterior chest wall. Protects the heart and great vessels. Provides attachment for the costal cartilages of the upper seven ribs and the … |
| Clinical Significance | Mandibular fractures are the second most common facial fractures. The inferior alveolar nerve runs through the mandibular canal and can be damaged during wisdom tooth extraction. Temporomandibular joint disorders cause … | Sternal fractures occur from direct trauma (steering wheel injuries). Median sternotomy is the standard approach for open-heart surgery. Sternal bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are common diagnostic procedures. |
| FMA ID | 52748 | 7485 |