jawbone

Jawbone typically refers to the mandible, the lower jawbone of humans and many vertebrates. The mandible forms the largest, strongest bone of the face and provides support for the lower teeth. It is the only movable bone of the skull and participates in chewing and speech by articulating with the temporal bones at the temporomandibular joints.

The mandible consists of a curved body and two upright rami. The body carries the alveolar process for the lower teeth; the lateral surface features the mental foramen for the mental nerve. Each ramus ends in a coronoid process anteriorly and a condylar process posteriorly, with the condyle forming the temporomandibular joint with the temporal bone. The arterial supply mainly comes from branches of the maxillary artery, and the inferior alveolar nerve supplies sensation to the lower teeth, with the mental nerve serving the chin.

Development and growth: The mandible forms by intramembranous ossification from two halves that fuse at the mandibular symphysis in early life, and growth continues with dentition. Variation exists in size and shape, influencing occlusion and facial proportions.

Function and clinical relevance: Enables chewing and speech. Fractures often occur at the body, angle, or condyle after trauma. Temporomandibular joint disorders affect movement. Dental implants rely on healthy alveolar bone. Colloquially, "jawbone" may refer to either the mandible or the jaw bones in general.