Landmarks - Mandible

Question 1

Angle of the mandible

Answer 1

That point where the body and ramus meet with a definite change in direction

Question 2

Coronoid process

Answer 2

an extension of the ramus in the anterior and superior direction. This process forms the anterior superior border of the ramus.

Question 3

Coronoid Notch

Answer 3

the greatest depth of the anterior border of the ramus of the mandible. This landmark is very important during the inferior alveolar nerve block.

Question 4

Internal oblique line (ridge)

Answer 4

This is the ridge of bone which begins on the inner ramus and travels anterior to the third molar

Question 5

External oblique line (ridge)

Answer 5

This is a ridge of bone which continues from teh anterior border of the ramus along the external surface of the body of the mandible beside the mandibular molars.

Question 6

Lingula

Answer 6

A boney projection on the medial aspect of the ramus, found midway between the greatest concavities of the anterior and posterior borders. This landmark is essential to the location of the mandibular foramen just posterior and inferior to it.

Question 7

Mandibular foramen

Answer 7

The foramen found on the medial aspect of the ramus just posterior and inferior to the lingula. The inferior alveolar nerve passes through this opening as it travels to the mandibular teeth and lips.

Question 8

Mental foramen

Answer 8

An opening in the body of the mandible found at the apex of the premolars. This opening slants in an inferior, distal direction and is the point of exit for the mental nerve.

Question 9

Incisive foramen

Answer 9

A depression in the mandible found superior to teh mental tubercles and lateral to the mental protuberance. This is the location of small nutrient valas allowing for infiltration anesthesia of the mandibular incisors.