A. Paired bones of the facial bones

10. Mandible

The mandible consists of two parts that are united rostrally at the symphysis. Each part is divided into a horizontal body, and a vertical ramus. The body caries the lower teeth, and the ramus articulates with the temporal bone.

The dorsal (alveolar) border of the mandible bears alveoli for the lower incisors, canine, premolars and molar teeth. The lateral surface of the ramus presents a triangular depression, the masseteric fossa, for the attachment of the masseter muscle.

The dorsal end of the ramus is represented by the coronoid process. The condylar process of the ramus articulates with the temporal bone to form the temporomandibular joint. The coronoid process and the condylar process are separated by the mandibular notch.

The mandibular canal begins at the mandibular foramen on the medial side of the ramus. It perforates the mandible rostrally and ends at the three mental foramina (caudal, middle, rostral) on the rostrolateral part of the body. The mandibular canal provides passage way for the inferior alveolar artery, vein and nerve.