Bone
Mandible
Movable lower jaw
High-yield
The inferior alveolar nerve enters through the mandibular foramen. Its mental branch exits through the mental foramen to supply the lower lip and chin; other fibers continue within the bone toward the anterior teeth.
Overview
The mandible carries the lower teeth and provides attachment for the chewing muscles. Its two condyles articulate with the temporal bones, permitting jaw opening, closing, translation and side-to-side movement.
Reference facts
- Bone type
- Irregular facial bone
- Key landmarks
- Body, ramus and angle; condylar and coronoid processes; mandibular and mental foramina; mandibular canal, mylohyoid line and tooth-bearing alveolar part
- Articulations
- Right and left temporal bones at the temporomandibular joints
Clinical correlation
A mandibular injury can involve more than one fracture site. Damage to the inferior alveolar nerve within the mandibular canal may reduce sensation in the lower lip and chin.
Frequently asked questions
What type of bone is the mandible?
The mandible is an irregular facial bone bone.
What does the mandible articulate with?
The mandible articulates with the right and left temporal bones at the temporomandibular joints.
What are the key landmarks of the mandible?
Body, ramus and angle; condylar and coronoid processes; mandibular and mental foramina; mandibular canal, mylohyoid line and tooth-bearing alveolar part.