Mandible (Parts) (English)

The mandible is composed of two main parts: the body and ramus. The point at which the ramus and body of the mandible unite is known as the angle of mandible. The body is the horizontal portion of the mandible that creates the jawline. It is subdivided into the base and alveolar part. The base forms the lower portion of the mandible and provides the structural integrity of the jaw, while the alveolar part holds the mandibular teeth. The rami are the two vertical processes that are connected to the body at the mandibular angle. The superior portion of each is composed of two bony processes (coronoid and condylar processes) separated by the mandibular notch. The condylar process consists of the head (also known as the mandibular condyle) and neck of the mandible. The rounded head of the mandible articulates with the temporal bone on each side to create the temporomandibular joint which provides mobility to the mandible and allows mastication.