Mandible

1.) MEDICINE

The mandible is an uneven bone forming the lower jaw.

Location of the mandible

The mandible is closely connected with the skull, with which it articulates.

Structure of the mandible

The mandible is formed from a body and two rami. The body is horse-shoe shaped and is used as a support for implantation of the lower teeth. The rami support the two temporo-mandibular joints with the temporal bones of the skull providing the mandible's mobility.

Function of the mandible

Together with the maxilla, the mandible forms the two bones of the jaw. Its movement enables mastication, the first stage in the process of digesting foods.

2.) ZOOLOGY

The mandibles are the two hard buccal parts in some insects used to grasp and grind food. Depending on the species, they are also used as clamps, tools, or weapons (as in beetles)...