Unterkiefern

Unterkiefern is a term with a specific meaning in the field of anatomy, referring to the lower jawbone. This bone, also known as the mandible, is a singular, horseshoe-shaped bone that forms the lower part of the skull. It is the largest and strongest bone in the face. The mandible articulates with the temporal bone on each side of the head at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), allowing for movement essential for chewing and speaking. The body of the mandible contains the lower teeth, while the ramus extends upwards to form the TMJ and the coronoid process, which serves as an attachment point for muscles of mastication. The mental foramen, a small opening on the anterior surface of the mandible, transmits nerves and blood vessels to the chin and lower lip. The development of the mandible begins early in embryonic life and continues to grow and remodel throughout a person's lifetime. It plays a crucial role in facial structure, chewing efficiency, and the overall aesthetics of the face.