Mandible

Os mandibulae

The mandible consists of a horseshoe-shaped body and two vertical rami. The body contains the alveolar process bearing the lower teeth. Each ramus has a condylar process (for the TMJ) and coronoid process (for temporalis muscle attachment). The mental foramen allows passage of the mental nerve.

Type Bone
Système corporel Skeletal
Région corporelle Face
Nom latin Os mandibulae
FMA ID 52748

Fonction

The only movable bone of the skull, forming the lower jaw. Essential for mastication (chewing), speech articulation, and maintaining the lower dental arch.

Signification clinique

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 jaw pain and dysfunction.

Questions fréquentes

What is the function of the mandible?
The mandible (lower jaw) is the only movable bone of the skull. It houses the lower teeth and provides the bony framework for the lower face. Through the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), it enables chewing (mastication), speech articulation, swallowing, and mouth opening. The masseter, medial pterygoid, temporalis, and lateral pterygoid muscles attach to it to drive these movements.
What bones does the mandible articulate with?
The mandible articulates exclusively with the temporal bones of the skull, forming the left and right temporomandibular joints (TMJ). These are the only synovial joints of the skull and are unique in having an articular disc (meniscus) dividing the joint space. The mandible does not articulate directly with any other bones; it is connected to the hyoid bone only via muscles and ligaments.
What is a mandible fracture?
Mandibular fractures are among the most common facial fractures, frequently resulting from motor vehicle accidents, falls, or interpersonal violence. Common fracture sites include the condylar neck, symphysis/parasymphysis (chin region), and angle of the mandible. They often present with malocclusion (misaligned bite), pain, swelling, and trismus (inability to open the mouth). Treatment typically involves closed or open reduction with internal fixation.

Structures associées

articulation joint nutrient foramen conduit outer fibrous layer of periosteum capsular layer of periosteum periosteum pre-cartilage condensation pre-chondrogenic condensation postcranial axial skeleton axial skeleton radial element actinost cavity of bone organ bone organ cavity

Avertissement médical

Ce contenu est uniquement à des fins éducatives et informatives. Il n'est pas destiné à remplacer un avis médical professionnel, un diagnostic ou un traitement. Consultez toujours votre médecin ou un autre professionnel de santé qualifié pour toute question relative à un état médical. Ne négligez jamais un avis médical professionnel et ne tardez pas à le consulter en raison de quelque chose que vous avez lu sur ce site web.

Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.

Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.