Location and structure
The mandible (mandibula) is an unpaired, movable, horseshoe-shaped bone consisting of a body (corpus mandibulae) and a paired ramus (ramus mandibulae). The ramus terminates superiorly in two processes:
- Coronoid process (processus coronoideus) — the anterior, pointed process.
- Condylar process (processus condylaris) — the process of the ramus bearing the head and neck.
- Mandibular notch (incisura mandibulae) — the depression separating the coronoid and condylar processes.
- Temporal crest (crista temporalis) — the bony ridge into which the coronoid process smoothly transitions anteriorly and inferiorly.
The margin of the mandibular ramus forms the posterior boundary of the facial region. On the medial surface of the ramus, below the notch, opens the mandibular foramen (foramen mandibulae), which marks the beginning of the mandibular canal.
What muscles attach here?
The nature of mandibular fractures and the displacement of bone fragments are largely determined by the pull of the masticatory muscles attached to it.
- Temporalis muscle (m. temporalis) — attaches to the coronoid process.
- Origin and course of fibers: the muscle originates from the periosteum of the temporal surface (planum temporale) and the deep surface of the temporal fascia. Its fibers converge inferiorly and anteriorly.
- Insertion: the fibers transition into a powerful tendon that attaches not only to the coronoid process itself but also extends onto the anterior margin of the mandibular ramus.
Clinical and surgical significance
The tendon of the temporalis muscle is attached to the coronoid process so firmly that during surgeries, rather than dissecting it, the coronoid process must be osteotomized.
Do not confuse with: coronoid process of the ulna
In osteology, there is another structure with an identical name — the coronoid process of the ulna (processus coronoideus ulnae).
- It is located on the proximal epiphysis of the long tubular ulna (ulna), which is situated on the medial side of the forearm.
- Together with the olecranon (olecranon), it bounds the trochlear notch (incisura trochlearis).
- The brachialis muscle (m. brachialis), which is the main flexor of the forearm, attaches to it. Some bundles of this muscle blend into the anterior wall of the elbow joint capsule, protecting it from impingement.
- On a sagittal section of the elbow joint, the coronoid fossa (fossa coronoidea) of the humerus is visualized.
Class and exam questions
Where is the coronoid process of the mandible located?
It is located on the upper end of the mandibular ramus; it is an anterior process separated by a notch from the condylar process.
What muscle attaches to the coronoid process?
A powerful tendon of the temporalis muscle (m. temporalis) attaches to it, as well as to the anterior margin of the mandibular ramus.
What does the coronoid process transition into inferiorly?
Inferiorly and anteriorly, it smoothly transitions into the bony temporal crest (crista temporalis).
Why is the coronoid process osteotomized during surgeries?
The tendon of the temporalis muscle is attached to the process so firmly that during surgeries, rather than dissecting it, the coronoid process must be osteotomized.
What else to study on this topic
- Mandibular ramus (Ramus mandibulae)
- Condylar process (Processus condylaris)
- Temporalis muscle (M. temporalis)
- Mandibular notch (Incisura mandibulae)
Study the complete topic in the Anatomy course
This is a summary. The course covers everything tested in classes and exams.
- Complete study guide on "Coronoid process of the mandible" and 1,363 other pages of the subject
- Assignments and quizzes after every topic — just like in a colloquium
- AI tutor answers questions on the topic anytime
- 295 video lessons by subject
Other topics in the "Anatomical Structures" section
Free video lessons: AnatomyShort lessons with study notes — no registration required.
Prepared by WhiteCoat Pro faculty in accordance with the medical school curriculum. For educational purposes only.