Human Anatomy: Mandible Features

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Questions and Answers

What is the function of the mental tubercles on the mandible?

They serve as attachment points for ligaments.

They provide attachment for muscles associated with the tongue.

They are small elevations that help stabilize the chin. (correct)

They are connected to the origins of the digastric muscle.

Where is the mylohyoid ridge located?

Above the mental spines.

On the interior surface of the mandible. (correct)

At the posterior part of the mandible.

On the surface of the mental protuberance.

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

Digastric muscle

Geniohyoid muscle

Mylohyoid muscle

Genioglossus muscle (correct)

What does the submandibular fossa correspond to?

Site of the submandibular salivary gland. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the digastric fossae?

They reflect the bony origins of the anterior digastric muscle. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How many separate spines can the mental spine have?

Up to 4 separate spines or a single fused spine. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What muscle originates from the lower aspect of the mental spine?

Geniohyoid muscle (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the sublingual fossa?

It acts as a site for the sublingual salivary gland. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the mandible does the mylohyoid muscle attach to?

The mylohyoid ridge (B) Signup and view all the answers

What role does the mental protuberance play in the structure of the mandible?

It is the triangular elevation of bone. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the condyle of the mandible articulate with?

Mandibular fossa of the temporal bone (A) Signup and view all the answers

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

Facial and lingual plates (D) Signup and view all the answers

Where is the mental foramen located?

At the midpoint of the inferior border near the second premolar (B) Signup and view all the answers

What structural feature originates at the mental tubercle on the mandible?

External oblique ridge (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the neck in relation to the condyle of the mandible?

It supports the condyle (C) Signup and view all the answers

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

8 (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of the mandible transmits the mental nerve and artery?

Mental foramen (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the septa in the alveolar process?

To join the facial and lingual plates (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the sharp anterior border of the vertical ramus known as?

External oblique ridge (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the shape of the head of the condyle of the mandible?

Roller-shaped (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the mandible in relation to jaw movement?

It is the only moveable bone of the skull. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the shape of the mandible?

Horseshoe shaped bone. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which structure articulates with the mandible at the temporomandibular joint?

Temporal bone. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the coronoid process of the mandible?

It serves as the insertion point for the temporalis muscle. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What part of the mandible is involved in tooth support?

Alveolar process. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the ramus of the mandible?

It is one of the vertical segments of the mandible. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest and strongest bone of the face?

Mandible. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of joint is formed at the connection of the mandible and temporal bone?

Movable synovial joint. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the mandible is considered the horizontal portion?

Body. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What role does the mandible play in the process of mastication?

It allows for movement and biting. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mandible Overview

Forms the lower jaw, constituting the largest and strongest bone of the face.
Anatomically shaped like a horseshoe, composed of a horizontal body and right and left rami.
Only movable bone in the skull, articulating with the temporal bone via the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ).
Serves as an attachment point for multiple muscles, including those involved in mastication.

Internal Features of the Mandible

Mental Tubercles: Small elevations flanking the mental protuberance.
Digastric Fossae: Small depressions reflecting the origins of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle, located on either side of the midline.
Mental Spine (Genial Tubercles): Can have up to four separate spines or one fused spine; serves as the origin for the genioglossus muscle (upper) and geniohyoid muscle (lower).
Mylohyoid Ridge: Origin point for mylohyoid muscle, which forms the floor of the anterior part of the mouth.
Submandibular Fossa: Site for the submandibular salivary gland.
Sublingual Fossa: Location for the sublingual salivary gland.

Articulations of the Mandible

Features a synovial joint with the temporal bone at the TMJ.
Mandibular teeth articulate with maxillary teeth.

Key Parts of the Mandible

Body: Horizontal portion that fuses anteriorly in the midline.
Ramus: Vertically ascends from the body; topped with the condyle and coronoid process.
Coronoid Process: Sharp, beak-like structure providing insertion for the temporalis muscle.
Condyle: Roller-shaped head that articulates with the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone; supported by the neck, a bar of bone underneath.
Alveolar Process: Houses 16 teeth (8 on each side) and consists of facial (lateral) and lingual (medial) plates joined by septa of bone.

External Features of the Mandible

External Oblique Ridge: Originates at the mental tubercle and forms the sharp anterior border of the vertical ramus.
Mental Foramen: Located at the midpoint of the inferior border near the alveolar crest around the second premolar; transmits the mental nerve and artery.
Mental Protuberance: The anterior bony prominence of the mandible.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Ability to describe the main features and parts of the mandible.
Understanding of the range of movement associated with the mandible.

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Description

Explore the internal features of the mandible including the triangular elevation of bone and the mental tubercles. This quiz covers various anatomical details crucial for understanding facial structure. Test your knowledge on the mandible's features and their significance in human anatomy.