The mandible bone’s function is to open and shut the mouth for chewing and speech.
It also helps protect the organs of the face and hold the lower set of teeth in place.
The mandible forms a joint on either side with the temporal bone: the temporomandibular joint.
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Health issues that arise with this bone usually have to do with fracture or dislocation due to trauma.
Corrective surgeries may also be performed on the mandible to correct misalignment due to improper development of the jaw.
It has a symmetrical, horseshoe shape.
The mandible and the maxilla form the lower and upper parts of the jaw, respectively.
It is grafted to the ramus (wing-like portion) on each side.
Ramus
Representing the wings of the mandible, the ramus arises on each side of the jaw.
It contains two bony prominences that bind the temporomandibular joint, which allows the bone to move.
The jaw consists of two bonesthe mandible and the maxilla.
The lower teeth are anchored into the mandible, and the upper teeth are in the maxilla.
The term “jawbone” refers to the mandible.
Anatomical Variations
Typically, males have more square-shaped mandibles than females.
This is because males have larger mental protuberances and a smaller mandibular angle.
In these cases, there is a Y-shaped dimple in the middle of the chin.
It is also important for other movements of the mouth including those necessary for speech.
Along with the maxilla, the mandible has an essential structural and protective function.
The mandible also protects important structures in the face and neck including the upper airway and the carotid artery.
Those with micrognathia may require this key in of surgery to correct alignment.
Summary
The mandible is the lower jawbone.
Its primary function is chewing but it also serves to protect important structures in the face and neck.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Orthognathic surgery.
