Bones - Mandible Flashcards
Where is the mandible located?
What does it articulate with?
This is the largest bone in the body. It forms the lower jaw and acts as a receptacle for the lower teeth.
It articulates with the temporal bone on either side to form the temporomandibular joint.
Clinical relevance: fractures of the mandible
A mandibular fracture rarely occurs in isolation. Much like the fractures of the pelvic brim, a fracture on one side is frequently associated with a fracture on the controlateral side. Therefore if one fracture is observed, another should be searched for. For example, a fractured neck of the mandible is often observed in conjuction with a fracture of the contralateral mandibular body. The characteristics - of mandibular fractures are as follows: - Fractures of the coronoid process are uncommon and usually singular. - Fractures of the neck of the mandible are often transverse and usually accompanied with dislocation of the tempormandibular joint. - Fractures of the angle of the mandible are usually oblique and may involve the alveolus of the third molar. - Fractures of the body of the mandible frequently pass through the canine tooth.
Body of the mandible
Borders?
Landmarks?
Foramina?
Borders:
Superior - alveolar - 16 sockets to house lower teeth.
Inferior - base - attachment for the digastric muscle medially.
Landmarks:
Mandibular symphysis - small ridge of bone representing the fusion of the two halves during development.
Mental foramen - contains the mental branch of the inferior alveolar artery, vein and nerve.
Ramus of the mandible
Landmarks?
Foramina?
1) Head - articulates with the temporal bone to form the temporomandibular joint.
2) Neck - supports the head - site of attachment for the lateral pterygoid muscle.
3) Coronoid process - site of attachement for the temporalis muscle.
4) Ramus - connects structures above to the body of mandible.
Mandibular foramen (internal surface) - allows passageway of the inferior alveolar artery, vein and nerve.
