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