Mandible of a Human Male as, Lateral View

Description

Seen in lateral profile, the blue-highlighted mandible (jawbone) is set inferior to the maxilla and zygomatic bone, with the alveolar part and mandibular teeth aligned against the maxillary dentition. Posteriorly, the ramus rises toward the temporomandibular joint, ending superiorly in the coronoid process anteriorly and the condylar process posteriorly, separated by the mandibular notch. The mandibular angle marks the transition from the horizontal body to the vertical ramus, and the symphyseal region lies anteriorly at the chin. A lateral view like this clarifies the bony mechanics of the temporomandibular articulation, where the mandibular condyle meets the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone and translates under the articular eminence during mouth opening. That relationship matters when correlating jaw deviation and preauricular pain with internal derangement of the TMJ, or when planning reduction and fixation for mandibular fractures that cluster at the angle and condylar neck. Clear landmarks. The coronoid process also provides context for temporalis insertion and for coronoid hyperplasia, a less common cause of restricted mandibular excursion that can be missed without anatomic orientation. Use this asset in dental anatomy and head and neck courses to teach occlusion, ramus morphology, and TMJ surface anatomy, or in oral and maxillofacial surgery materials covering condylar fractures, sagittal split ramus osteotomy planning landmarks, and temporomandibular disorder patient education. It also suits radiology and anatomy atlases when pairing with lateral cephalogram interpretation, since the silhouette emphasizes condyle, coronoid, and mandibular angle relationships. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.