Mandibular notch
Incisura mandibulae
Definition
The upper border of the ramus of mandible is characterized by a U-shaped dip called the mandibular notch. It is situated between two important bony projections: the coronoid process, a triangular, flattened projection at the front, and the condylar process, a rounded projection at the back that articulates with the temporal bone of the skull to form the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
The mandibular notch serves as a passage for the masseteric nerve and vessels. These structures arch over the superior border of the ramus of mandible, stretching outward to reach and supply the masseter muscle positioned on the external side 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.