mandible

n the lower jawbone. It consists of a horseshoe-shaped body, the upper surface of which bears the lower teeth (see ALVEOLUS ), and two vertical parts (rami). Each ramus divides into a condyle and a CORONOID PROCESS . The condyle articulates with the temporal bone of the cranium to form the temporomandibular joint (a hinge joint). See also MAXILLA , SKULL . - mandibular adj.