Concept in Definition ABC

The mandible, also known as the lower jaw, is one of the bones that makes up the skeleton of the face.

Basics of your anatomy

The mandible is a single bone located in the midline, below the upper jaw bones. It shapes the lower third of the face and contributes to the creation of the oral cavity.

This bone has the shape of a horseshoe concave backwards, from whose ends two pillars emerge in an ascending direction, one on each side, it is the branches of the mandible that end in a structure called the condyle that articulates with the temporal bones located on the sides of the skull, originating the joint temporomandibular (commonly called TMJ).

In its external part several muscles of the face are inserted, at the level of the branches the chewing muscles are located, in its internal face the structures that form the floor of the mouth are inserted.

The lower jaw also contains a series of cavities called alveoli, in which the teeth and lower molars.

Jaw functions

The mandible, through the temporomandibular joint, allows the opening and closing of the mouth. This function is necessary both for the chewing of the food as to be able to speak and communicate, it is complemented by the presence of the lower teeth and molars.

In addition, it allows to form the floor of the mouth, the initial structure of the digestive system, necessary to be able to feed ourselves.

Main injuries affecting the jaw

This bone is affected mainly at the level of the condyle, the structure with which it articulates with the upper jaws. It is a bony prominence that can be affected by disorders as the osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and trauma. His injuries are mainly manifested with pain and trachitis when opening and closing the mouth.

Another very common injury in which he is involved is in the bruxism, a condition in which the teeth are unintentionally clenched during dream, Due to the tension of the masticatory muscles.

Less frequently it is possible that after some trauma your displacement of its normal location producing a dislocation. This injury is very painful and makes it impossible to open or close your mouth, it is a emergency which must be resolved immediately upon its occurrence.

The jaw can also be affected by various disorders that can occur in the bones, such as the fractures, osteoporosis, and the development of tumors.

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