Mandibular notch

Definition

The mandibular notch is a curved depression located between the condylar process and the coronoid process on the upper border of the mandible, part of the lower jawbone. It plays a role in the opening and closing movement of the jaw.

Related terms

Condylar Process: The rounded projection on the back of the mandible that articulates with the temporal bone in the skull, forming part of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Coronoid Process:

A triangular projection on the anterior part of the upper border of the mandible, which serves as an attachment point for one of the major muscles involved in chewing.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ): A complex joint that connects your jaw to your skull's temporal bones, allowing you to move your jaw up and down and side to side, so you can talk, chew, and yawn