Mandible (Parts) (Latin)

The mandibula is composed of two main parts: the corpus and ramus. The point at which the ramus and corpus mandibulae unite is known as the angulus mandibulae. The corpus is the horizontal portion of the mandibula that creates the jawline. It is subdivided into the base (basis) and pars alveolaris. The basis forms the lower portion of the mandibula and provides the structural integrity of the jaw, while the pars alveolaris holds the dentes mandibulares. The rami are the two vertical processes that are connected to the corpus at the anguli mandibulae. The superior portion of each is composed of two bony processes (processus coronoideus and processus condylaris) separated by the incisura mandibulae. The processus condylaris consists of the caput mandibulae (also known as the condylus mandibulae) and collum mandibulae. The rounded caput mandibulae articulates with the os temporale on each side to create the art. temporomandibularis which provides mobility to the mandibula and allows mastication.