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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 process and the lower teeth, and two vertical rami rise behind it, each bearing a condylar process for the temporomandibular joint and a coronoid process for attachment of the temporalis muscle. The mental foramen transmits the mental nerve. Mandibular fractures are the second most common facial fractures, and the inferior alveolar nerve, running within the mandibular canal, can be injured during extraction of the wisdom teeth. Temporomandibular joint disorders produce jaw pain and dysfunction.

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.

On this page
类型 Bone
身体系统 Skeletal
身体区域 Face
拉丁名称 Os mandibulae
FMA ID 52748

功能

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

临床意义

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

References

  1. Foundational Model of Anatomy — FMA:52748 Reference anatomy ontology (University of Washington)
  2. UBERON — UBERON:0001684 Cross-species anatomy ontology (EMBL-EBI Ontology Lookup Service)
  3. Wikipedia — Mandible Encyclopedia article (verified cross-reference)

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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.