Coronoid process of mandible

Processus coronoideus mandibulae

  • Related terms: Coronoid process

Definition

The coronoid process of mandible is a flat, triangle-shaped projection that extends upward from the anterosuperior part of the ramus of the mandible. Its front edge lines up seamlessly with the anterior border of the ramus of mandible, while its back edge merges smoothly with the superior border of the ramus, forming part of the border around the mandibular notch together with the condylar process located towards the rear.

On the inside surface of the coronoid process of mandible, there is a bony ridge known as the temporal crest. This ridge starts at the tip of the coronoid process and stretches downward, ending near the area behind the third molar tooth. The temporal crest marks the inner limit of what is known as the retromolar triangle.

The coronoid process of mandible provides a point of attachment for the jaw muscles responsible for chewing, including the masseter and the temporalis muscles. The masseter, which mainly attaches to the outer surface of the ramus of mandible, also continues over to the outer side of the coronoid process. Additionally, the temporalis muscle connects to both the tip and the inner surface of the coronoid process, and from there, it also goes down the front edge of the ramus of mandible.

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Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2024 IMAIOS.

  • Breeland G, Aktar A, Patel BC. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Mandible. [Updated 2023 Apr 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532292/

  • Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W. and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2009). ‘Chapter 8: Head and Neck’ in Gray’s anatomy for Students. (2nd ed.) Philadelphia PA 19103-2899: Elsevier, pp. 922.


Comparative anatomy in animals

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