What is the mandible and what is its function?

The mandible is the largest and strongest bone of the face, forming the lower jaw. It is U-shaped, houses the lower teeth, and is the only movable bone of the skull, allowing for actions like chewing and speaking at the temporomandibular joint.

What are the main parts of the mandible?

The mandible consists of two main parts: the body, which is the horizontal U-shaped portion that holds the lower teeth, and the rami, which are two vertical posterior projections that connect to the temporal bones.

Which muscles attach to the mandible?

Key muscles attached to the mandible include on the body: mylohyoid, genioglossus, geniohyoid, digastric (anterior belly), platysma, buccinator, and superior constrictor; and on the ramus: masseter, temporalis, and medial and lateral pterygoids.

What nerves are related to the mandible?

Important nerves include the inferior alveolar nerve (through the mandibular canal), mental nerve (through the mental foramen), and lingual nerve (medial to the third molar root). Others are the mylohyoid, masseteric, auriculotemporal, and marginal mandibular nerves.

What are common clinical issues involving the mandible?

Common issues include mandibular fractures (often at the neck, angle, or canine region), nerve injuries (such as numbness from inferior alveolar nerve damage), and TMJ dislocation (where the mandibular head displaces anteriorly).

How does the mandible change with age?

Age-related changes include in infants: mental foramen near the lower border and angle of 140°; in adults: foramen mid-body and angle of 110°; in old age: foramen near alveolar crest, angle returns to 140°, with bone height reduced due to tooth loss.

What are the differences between male and female mandibles?

Sex differences include male mandibles being larger with a quadrilateral chin, prominent angle (110°), and rough lower border, while female mandibles are smaller with a rounded chin, obtuse angle (140°), and smoother lower border.

Mandible Anatomy – Parts, Muscle Attachments & Fractures

❓ Frequently Asked Questions