Mandibelknölen

Mandibelknölen, also known as the mandible or jawbone, is a crucial component of the human skull, located at the lower part of the face. It is a paired bone, with each side forming the lower jaw and contributing to the structure of the mouth and teeth. The mandible is a strong, dense bone that plays a vital role in mastication, or chewing, as it articulates with the temporal bones of the skull to form the temporomandibular joint.

The mandible is composed of two main parts: the body and the ramus. The body is the larger, horizontal part that forms the lower border of the mandible and supports the teeth. The ramus is the vertical part that extends from the body and articulates with the temporal bone to form the temporomandibular joint. The mandible also has several processes and projections, including the mental spine, which provides attachment for muscles, and the mandibular notch, which houses the inferior alveolar nerve and vessels.

The mandible is a dynamic bone that undergoes significant growth and remodeling throughout life. In children, the mandible grows rapidly during the first decade of life, and the temporomandibular joint is not fully developed until the late teens or early twenties. The mandible is also subject to wear and tear, particularly in the temporomandibular joint, which can lead to conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorder.

The mandible is innervated by the inferior alveolar nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve, and is supplied by the inferior alveolar artery, a branch of the maxillary artery. The mandible is also covered by the buccinator muscle, which helps to compress the cheeks during chewing.

In summary, the mandible is a vital bone of the skull that plays a crucial role in mastication and facial structure. Its unique anatomy and function make it a subject of interest in fields such as anatomy, dentistry, and orthodontics.