Mandible (Anterolateral view) (Latin)

The protuberantia mentalis presents at the midline of the base of the external surface of the mandibula and is continuous laterally on either side with the tubercula mentalia. Collectively these structures form the prominence of the chin (mentum). Inferior to the dentes premolares mandibulares, along the external surface of the basis mandibulae is a small, round opening known as the foramen mentale, which allows for the passage of the r. mentalis arteriae alveolaris inferioris, v. mentalis and n. mentalis. The lineae obliquae corporis mandibulae are continuous superiorly with the margo anterior rami mandibulae and extend anteroinferiorly towards the tubercula mentalia. They form the lateral boundary of the fossa retromolaris and provide an origin site for the m. depressor anguli oris. The external surface of the angulus mandibulae presents with a roughening for the attachment of the m. masseter known as the tuberositas masseterica. Along the anterior aspect of each collum mandibulae is a small, shallow depression known as the fovea pterygoidea, which provides an insertion site for the m. pterygoideus lateralis on each side. The internal surface of the ramus mandibulae presents with the foramen alveolare inferius (also known as the foramen mandibulae) which houses the a. alveolaris inferior, v. alveolaris inferior and n. alveolaris inferior. The opening has a prominent ridge in its front known as lingula mandibulae for the attachment of the lig. sphenomandibulare. The sulcus mylohyoideus runs in an anteroinferior direction from this point and contains the n. mylohyoideus.