Mandibular foramen

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The mandibular foramen is an opening on the internal surface of the

The mandibular foramen is an opening on the internal surface of the ramus of the mandible.^[1][2] It allows for divisions of the mandibular nerve and blood vessels to pass through.^[2]

Variation

There are two distinct anatomies to its rim.

• In the common form the rim is V-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.

Rarely, a bifid inferior alveolar nerve may be present, in which case a second mandibular foramen, more inferiorly placed, exists and can be detected by noting a doubled mandibular canal on a radiograph.^[3]

Function

The

Local anaesthetic can be injected around the mandibular foramen to anaesthetise the mandibular nerve, and thereby the mandible the lower teeth on that side, and some skin on the lower face.^[1]

Other animals

The mandibular foramen can be found in other mammals, such as horses.^[2]

Additional images

• 
  View from behind of the mandibular foramina (red).

References