Mandibular foramen
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2007-04-18T21:01:34Z
Em Mitchell
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{{Infobox Bone |
Name = Mandibular foramen |
Latin = foramen mandibulae |
GraySubject = 44 |
GrayPage = 173 |
Image = Gray177.png |
Caption = Mandible. Inner surface. Side view. (Mandibular foramen visible at left.) |
Image2 = |
Caption2 = |
System = |
MeshName = |
MeshNumber = |
DorlandsPre = f_12 |
DorlandsSuf = 12373269 |
}}
The '''Mandibular foramen''' is an opening on the internal surface of the [[mandible|ramus]] (posterior and perpendicularly oriented part of the [[mandible]]) for divisions of the mandibular [[blood vessel|vessel]]s and [[nerve]] to pass.
==Contents==
The [[mandibular nerve]] is one of three branches of the [[trigeminal nerve]] (CN V) and the only branch with motor innervation.
The [[inferior alveolar nerve]] and [[inferior alveolar artery]] enter the foramen traveling through the body and exit at the [[mental foramen]] on the anterior mandible at which point the nerve is known as the [[mental nerve]].
These nerves provide sensory innervation to the lower [[teeth]], as well as the lower lip and some skin on the lower [[face]].
==Structures of rim==
There are two distinct anatomies to its rim.
* In the common form the rim is āVā shaped, with a groove separating the anterior and posterior parts.
* In the horizontal-oval form there is no groove, and the rim is horizontally oriented and oval in shape, the anterior and posterior parts connected.
==Additional images==
<gallery>
Image:Gray310.png|Articulation of the mandible. Medial aspect.
</gallery>
==See also==
* [[Foramen]]
==External links==
* {{SUNYAnatomyLabs|34|st|02|11}}
* [http://www.unc.edu/~jbl/PA_anat/Man/mandibular-foramen-s.html Photo at unc.edu]
* {{eMedicineDictionary|Mandibular+foramen}}
* {{NormanAnatomy|cranialnerves}} ({{NormanAnatomyFig|V}})
{{Facial bones}}
{{Foramina of skull}}
{{musculoskeletal-stub}}