Mandible – ramus

Anatomy

The perpendicular part of the mandible, its upper extremities consisting of the coronoid and condylar processes, with the mandibular notch between. Laterally, almost fully covered by masseter; postero-medially, pterygoid.

Clinical

The mandible (jawbone) holds the lower teeth. Chews. involved in speech. Along with cranium, makes up skull. Four parts (each side): Anterior (left and right together called body, with upper, alveolar section for teeth, base with mental protuberance and tubercles, mental foramen), angle, ramus (with coronoid process, mandibular notch, condylar process).

Fractures account for 1/5 facial fractures, often bilateral; condyle 30%, body 25%, angle 25%.

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