The mandible is the largest and strongest bone of the facial skeleton, forming the lower jaw and holding the lower teeth. It is the only freely movable bone of the skull, articulating with the temporal bones at the temporomandibular joints to enable speaking and chewing. The mandible provides attachment points for several muscles of mastication and plays a crucial role in facial expression and maintaining facial proportion.
The word "mandible" comes from the Latin "mandibula," derived from "mandere" meaning "to chew." This etymology directly reflects its primary function in mastication.
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