### What is the Mandible? The mandible, commonly known as the lower jaw, is a crucial bone in the human skull. It holds the bottom row of teeth and shapes the lower face and chin. The mandible allows the mouth to open and close, essential for chewing food. It is the only movable bone in the skull and the strongest bone in the human face. ### Structure of the Mandible The mandible has three main parts: 1. **Body**: A curved, horizontal structure with two borders. The upper border, called the alveolar border, contains 16 sockets for the lower teeth. The lower border, known as the base, is where the digastric muscle attaches. 2. **Rami**: Vertical structures on either side of the body, forming the upward angle of the mandible. Each ramus has bony landmarks and houses the mandibular foramen. 3. **Foramina**: Openings for neurovascular structures. The mandible has two foramina: the mandibular foramen and the mental foramen. The mandibular foramen channels the inferior alveolar nerve and artery, while the mental foramen allows these structures to exit and form the mental nerve, which provides sensation to the lower lip. ### Common Issues **Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ)**: TMJ disorders occur when the jaw muscles and ligaments become inflamed or irritated. Causes include teeth grinding, arthritis, stress, improper bite, and trauma. Symptoms range from mild to severe and may be short-term or chronic. Diagnosis involves a dental checkup, examination of jaw motion, and possibly x-rays. Treatments vary from self-care remedies to injections or surgery. **Osteonecrosis**: This condition can occur after bone cancer treatment, leading to bone death. Routine dental checkups are essential to maintain jaw health and address any issues with your jaw, teeth, or mouth.