leukaluusta

Leukaluu, also known as the mandible, is the bone that forms the lower jaw in vertebrates. It is a single bone in humans, unlike the upper jaw which is composed of multiple fused bones. The leukaluu is a crucial component of the skull, housing the lower teeth and playing a vital role in chewing, speaking, and facial structure. Its U-shape provides stability and allows for the complex movements required for mastication.

The leukaluu consists of several parts, including the body, which forms the horizontal part of the jaw, and the rami, which extend vertically upwards. The angle where the body and ramus meet is known as the gonial angle. The superior aspect of the ramus forms the condylar process, which articulates with the temporal bone of the skull at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), enabling the jaw to open, close, and move side to side. Inferiorly, the ramus terminates in the coronoid process, serving as an attachment point for muscles of mastication.

The leukaluu develops from mesenchymal cells during embryonic development and ossifies through intramembranous ossification. It is a dynamic bone that undergoes remodeling throughout life in response to functional demands. Trauma, disease, or developmental abnormalities can affect the leukaluu, leading to conditions such as fractures, temporomandibular joint disorders, and malocclusion. Understanding the anatomy and physiology of the leukaluu is essential in fields like dentistry, oral surgery, and orthodontics.