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 |
Full structure pages
Mandible
Os mandibulae
The only movable bone of the skull, the mandible forms the lower jaw and is essential to mastication, the articulation of speech, and support of the lower dental arch. A horseshoe-shaped body carries the alveolar …