Bone
Mandible
Lower jaw - only mobile skull bone
High-yield
The inferior alveolar nerve (CN V3) enters the mandibular foramen and exits the mental foramen; targeted in dental (nerve) blocks.
Overview
The largest and strongest facial bone and the only mobile skull bone, forming the lower jaw and the temporomandibular joint.
Reference facts
- Bone type
- Irregular
- Key landmarks
- Body; Ramus; Angle; Condylar process (head); Coronoid process; Mandibular and mental foramina; Mylohyoid line; Alveolar process
- Articulations
- Temporal bones (temporomandibular joints)
Frequently asked questions
What type of bone is the mandible?
The mandible is an irregular bone.
What does the mandible articulate with?
The mandible articulates with the temporal bones (temporomandibular joints).
What are the key landmarks of the mandible?
Key landmarks of the mandible include the body; Ramus; Angle; Condylar process (head); Coronoid process; Mandibular and mental foramina; Mylohyoid line; Alveolar process.