Anatomy of the Mandible

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Questions and Answers

What is the function of the mandibular foramen?

Site for muscle attachment

Passage for the facial nerve

Passage for inferior dental nerve and artery (correct)

Connection to the sublingual gland

Where is the sublingual salivary gland located?

Sublingual fossa (correct)

Maxillary sinus

Mandibular foramen

Lingula

What anatomical feature provides a challenging identification during nerve blocks?

Mandibular symphysis

Lip of bone covering anterior edge of the lingula (correct)

Lateral pterygoid muscle

Maxillary tuberosity

What defines the location of the lingula in relation to the mandible?

Located at the midpoint of the ramus of the mandible Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a feature of the mandible?

Sublingual fossa Signup and view all the answers

What structure transmits the mental nerve and artery?

Region of the second premolar Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle originates from the upper aspect of the mental spine?

Genioglossus muscle Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the mylohyoid ridge?

Attachment for the mylohyoid muscle Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is a small depression reflecting the bony origins of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle?

Digastric fossae Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the mental tubercles?

Located at the midline of the mandible Signup and view all the answers

What forms the lower aspect of the mental spine?

Origin of the geniohyoid muscle Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is described as a triangular elevation of bone that forms the chin?

Mental protuberance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the submandibular fossa?

Site of the mylohyoid muscle attachment Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the coronoid process?

Insertion of the temporalis muscle Signup and view all the answers

Which components make up the ramus of the mandible?

Condyle and coronoid process Signup and view all the answers

What shape describes the head of the condyle?

Roller shaped Signup and view all the answers

How many teeth does the alveolar process of the mandible typically house on each side?

8 teeth Signup and view all the answers

What are the two plates that make up the alveolar process of the mandible?

Facial and lingual plates Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical feature marks the sharp anterior border of the vertical ramus?

External oblique ridge Signup and view all the answers

Where is the mental foramen located?

At the midpoint of the inferior border and alveolar crest Signup and view all the answers

What structure supports the condyle of the mandible?

Neck Signup and view all the answers

What shape does the mandible resemble?

Horseshoe Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the mandible is associated with the teeth?

Alveolar process Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the mandible?

It is the single movable bone of the skull. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main divisions of the mandible?

Body and Ramus Signup and view all the answers

Which joint is formed by the articulation of the mandible with the temporal bone?

Temporomandibular joint Signup and view all the answers

What function does the mandible primarily serve?

Attachment points for muscles of mastication Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a part of the mandible?

Nasal spine Signup and view all the answers

How many main parts comprise the mandible?

Four Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Mandible: Overview

Largest and strongest facial bone.
Horseshoe-shaped, single bone forming the lower jaw.
Only movable bone of the skull.
Articulates with the temporal bone via the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Attachment point for masticatory and other muscles.

Mandible: Main Parts

Body: Horizontal portion, fused anteriorly forming a U-shape.
Ramus (Rami - plural): Ascends vertically from the body's posterior aspect; topped by the condyle and coronoid process.
Coronoid Process (CP): Sharp, beak-like process; temporalis muscle insertion point.
Condyle (H): Roller-shaped head articulating with the temporal bone's mandibular fossa; supported by the neck (N).
Alveolar Process (AP): Houses 16 teeth (8 per side); consists of facial (lateral) and lingual (medial) plates joined by bony septa.

External Features of the Mandible

External Oblique Ridge: Bone ridge originating at the mental tubercle, sweeping upwards and backwards to form the ramus's anterior border.
Mental Foramen: Located midway between inferior border and alveolar crest (near the second premolar); transmits mental nerve and artery.
Mental Protuberance (Chin): Triangular bone elevation.
Mental Tubercles: Small elevations on either side of the mental protuberance.

Internal Features of the Mandible

Digastric Fossae: Small depressions on either side of the midline; origin of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle.
Mental Spines (Genial Tubercles): Up to four separate spines or a single fused spine; origin of the genioglossus (upper) and geniohyoid (lower) muscles.
Mylohyoid Ridge: Attachment origin for the mylohyoid muscle (anterior floor of mouth).
Submandibular Fossa (SMF): Location of the submandibular salivary gland.
Sublingual Fossa (SLF): Location of the sublingual salivary gland.
Mandibular (Inferior Dental) Foramen: Oblique opening midway on the ramus; passage for the inferior dental nerve and artery; covered anteriorly by the lingula.

Movement of the Mandible

The provided text does not detail the specific range of movement.

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Description

This quiz explores the anatomy and features of the mandible, the largest and strongest bone of the face. It covers its structure, main parts, and external features, focusing on its functions and attachments. Test your knowledge about the different components and importance of this key bone in the human skull.