Lower Jaw (Mandible)

Lower jaw (Mandible): structure and functions

The mandible, also known as the mandible, is an unpaired facial bone that is found at the bottom of the skull and serves as the primary support for the lower teeth. This bone has a horseshoe-shaped body, the upper edge of which forms an alveolar arch bearing 16 alveoli in which the lower teeth are located. The branches of the jaw include two vertical branches (rami), each of which ends in two processes - the condyle and the coronoid.

The condylar process is a key element in the functioning of the jaw as it connects to the temporal bone of the skull to form the temporomandibular joint, which is a trochlear joint. This joint allows the movement of the mandible in various directions, such as opening and closing, as well as lateral movement.

In addition, the lower jaw performs several other important functions. Firstly, it serves as a support for the chewing muscles, which are attached to its surface and provide chewing movements. Secondly, it is involved in the speech process, since some sounds are produced due to the movement of the jaw. Thirdly, the lower jaw plays an important role in the aesthetic appearance of the face, since its shape and size can affect the overall appearance of a person.

Despite the fact that the lower jaw is the largest bone of the facial skull, it can be subject to various diseases and injuries. Some of the most common problems associated with the lower jaw include fractures, asymmetries, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and dental and gum disease.

In conclusion, the mandible is an important bone of the facial skull that performs several key functions such as supporting the lower teeth, chewing, speaking, and facial aesthetics. Understanding the structure and function of this bone can help in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases and injuries associated with the mandible.

Jaw Lower

Unpaired bone of the facial part of the skull. It consists of a horseshoe-shaped body, the upper edge of which forms alveolar arches containing up to 16 holes, in which the lower teeth are located. Each branch ends in condylar and coronoid processes. The condylar process forms a connection with the temple, forming the temporomandibular jaw.

The lower jaw (mandible) is an unpaired bone of the facial part of the skull, which is a so-called “horseshoe-shaped” bone from which the mandibular teeth are distributed. From a zoological point of view, the lower jaw is an important organ and is part of the facial part of the skeleton of vertebrate organisms. The main location of the lower jaw is on the underside of the facial part of the head, usually below the horizontal plane of symmetry of the animal's body. The bones of the middle part of the lower jaw are easily moved back. Each