Topics

Topic

design image
Body of mandible

The body of the mandible is the horizontal, curved portion of the lower jawbone extending from the mandibular symphysis at the midline to the angle of the mandible laterally. It forms the main bulk of the mandible, houses the alveolar processes that support the lower teeth, and contains the mandibular canal, which carries the inferior alveolar nerve and vessels. The body is triangular in cross-section, with an external (buccal) surface, internal (lingual) surface, superior border forming the alveolar ridge, and inferior border forming the base of the mandible. It provides structural integrity for mastication, facial contour, and dental occlusion, while also serving as a reference landmark in craniofacial and dental measurements.

Synonyms

  • Mandibular body

  • Horizontal ramus of mandible

  • Corpus mandibulae

Function

  • Provides support for lower teeth via the alveolar process

  • Maintains jaw strength and shape for mastication

  • Houses the mandibular canal, transmitting neurovascular structures

  • Contributes to facial symmetry and contour

  • Serves as a landmark in dental and surgical procedures

MRI Appearance
T1-weighted images:

  • The mandibular body appears as a low to intermediate signal structure representing cortical bone

  • Surrounding bone marrow shows intermediate to high signal, depending on fatty content

  • The mandibular canal can be seen as a linear low-signal structure within the marrow

  • Fractures, tumors, or cysts disrupt normal hypointense cortical continuity and may appear hypo- to isointense

T2-weighted images:

  • Cortical bone remains hypointense, while marrow and soft tissue are hyperintense

  • Pathological processes such as edema, cysts, or neoplasms appear bright

  • Surrounding muscles and soft tissues are visualized as intermediate signal intensity

STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery):

  • Fat suppression highlights edema, inflammation, or marrow pathology

  • Normal mandibular marrow signal is suppressed relative to surrounding structures

  • Lesions appear hyperintense, while cortical bone remains dark

CT Appearance

  • The body of the mandible is hyperdense, with well-defined cortical margins

  • The mandibular canal is visible as a hypodense linear channel within the bone

  • Surrounding soft tissues and muscles appear intermediate density, and the oral cavity air is hypodense (black), providing natural contrast

  • CT is ideal for assessing fractures, bone lesions, cysts, or dental implants

MRI images

Body of mandible mri axial image -img-00000-00000_00001

MRI images

Body of mandible mri sag image 00-00000

CT VRT 3D image

Body of mandible 3D