Mandible | Skull Anatomy

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive overview of the mandible, the largest and strongest bone of the face. It explains the key features, including the body, ramus, and angle of the mandible, as well as the mental protuberance and alveolar process that houses the teeth. The script details important anatomical structures like the mental spines, mylohyoid line, and various muscle attachment points, such as for the masseter and temporalis muscles. It also covers the mandibular foramen, which houses the inferior alveolar nerve, and its sensory function for the lower lip and chin.

Takeaways

• 😀 The mandible is the lower jawbone, the largest and strongest bone in the face.
• 😀 The term 'mandible' is derived from the Latin word 'mandy-rae', meaning 'to chew'.
• 😀 The mandible articulates with the calvaria at the temporomandibular joint.
• 😀 The mandible consists of a central body and two rami on either side.
• 😀 The mandible's anterior central protuberance forms the chin, and the mandibular symphysis marks where the two parts of the bone fused.
• 😀 The mental protuberance is enclosed by the division of the ridge and forms the mental cubicle.
• 😀 The alveolar process extends superiorly from the mandibular body and houses the teeth, which are contained in a gomphosis joint.
• 😀 The internal surface of the mandible shows the mental spines, which provide attachment for the genioglossus and geniohyoid muscles.
• 😀 The mylohyoid line on the internal surface gives origin to the mylohyoid muscle.
• 😀 The ramus of the mandible provides the origin for the masseter muscle and insertion for the medial pterygoid muscle.
• 😀 The mandible has two important bony processes: the coronoid process (for the temporalis muscle) and the condyloid process (articulates with the temporal bone).
• 😀 The mandibular foramen and mental foramen allow the passage of the inferior alveolar nerve and artery, which provide sensory innervation to the lower lip and chin.

Q & A

What is the mandible, and why is it significant?

The mandible is the lower jawbone and is the largest and strongest bone of the face. It plays a crucial role in chewing, supporting the lower teeth, and forming the chin.

Where does the term 'mandible' originate from?

The term 'mandible' is derived from the Latin word 'mandy-rae,' which means 'to chew,' reflecting its primary function in the mouth.

What are the two main sections of the mandible?

The mandible consists of a central body and two ramus (singular: ramus) on either side, which meet at the angle of the mandible.

What is the mandibular symphysis?

The mandibular symphysis is the ridge at the midline of the mandible that marks the point where the two halves of the bone fused during early life.

What is the alveolar process in the mandible?

The alveolar process is the part of the mandible that extends superiorly from the body and houses the teeth. The teeth are anchored in this process through a specialized joint called a gomphosis.

What are the mental spines and their function?

The mental spines are bony projections found on either side of the mandibular symphysis. The superior mental spines serve as attachment points for the genioglossus muscle, while the inferior spines provide attachment for the geniohyoid muscle.

What is the mylohyoid line and its importance?

The mylohyoid line is a ridge on the internal surface of the mandible. It serves as the origin point for the mylohyoid muscle, which plays a role in elevating the floor of the mouth.

What are the functions of the ramus of the mandible?

The ramus is the large, flat lateral portion of the mandible. It provides the origin for the powerful masseter muscle on its external surface, while the internal surface is where the medial pterygoid muscle attaches.

What are the coronoid and condyloid processes?

The coronoid process is a thin, flat eminence on the anterior part of the ramus, providing attachment for the temporalis muscle. The condyloid process is thicker and consists of the mandibular condyle and neck, articulating with the temporal bone at the temporomandibular joint.

What is the role of the mandibular foramen and mental foramen?

The mandibular foramen allows the entry of the inferior alveolar nerve and artery, which supply the lower teeth. These structures travel through the mandibular canal and exit via the mental foramen, where the nerve becomes the mental nerve, providing sensory innervation to the lower lip and chin.