You searched for: “mandibulae
mandibula (s) (noun), mandibulae (pl)
The large, arched, movable bone of the lower part of the face, consisting of a curved horizontal part on each side, that is fused in the midline at the symphysis menti (the middle connection of the two bones of the lower jaw; also known as, the projection of the chin).

Its functions include the protection of the tongue and it is involved in speech, biting, and the grinding of food in a person's mouth so it will become soft enough to swallow.

The mandibula has also been referred to as the:

  • mandible
  • lower jaw
  • inferior jaw
  • jaw bone
  • submaxilla
  • inferior maxilla
  • lower jaw bone
  • inferior maxillary bone
This entry is located in the following unit: mandibulo-, mandibul-, mandibuli-; manduc-, manduca- (page 1)