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Coronoid process of mandible

The coronoid process of the mandible is a thin, triangular bony projection arising from the anterior part of the mandibular ramus. It serves as a major site of attachment for the temporalis muscle and plays an important role in mandibular movement and mastication.

It is a key anatomical landmark in maxillofacial anatomy, dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and radiologic evaluation of mandibular trauma, developmental variants, and space-occupying lesions.

Synonyms

  • Mandibular coronoid process

  • Coronoid apophysis of mandible

Location

  • Projects upward from the anterior aspect of the mandibular ramus

  • Situated anterior to the mandibular condyle

  • Separated from the condylar process by the mandibular notch (sigmoid notch)

  • Lies deep to the zygomatic arch

  • Forms part of the superior border of the mandibular ramus

  • Medial surface faces the infratemporal fossa

Anatomical components

  • Apex:

    • Pointed superior tip of the process

  • Anterior border:

    • Continuous with the anterior border of the mandibular ramus

  • Posterior border:

    • Forms the anterior boundary of the mandibular notch

  • Medial surface:

    • Broad area for insertion of the temporalis muscle

  • Lateral surface:

    • Smooth and subcutaneous in thin individuals

Relations

Anteriorly:

  • Buccal space and cheek soft tissues

Posteriorly:

  • Mandibular notch

  • Condylar process of the mandible

Superiorly:

  • Zygomatic arch

  • Temporalis muscle tendon

Inferiorly:

  • Mandibular ramus

Medially:

  • Infratemporal fossa

  • Temporalis muscle insertion

Laterally:

  • Masseter muscle (indirect relationship)

Muscle attachments

  • Temporalis muscle:

    • Inserts onto the apex and medial surface of the coronoid process

    • Fibers extend inferiorly along the anterior border of the ramus

Function

  • Mandibular elevation: Acts as a lever arm for temporalis muscle contraction

  • Mandibular retraction: Posterior temporalis fibers pull the mandible backward

  • Jaw stabilization: Contributes to controlled mandibular movements during mastication

X-ray appearance

Mandible radiographs (panoramic / lateral oblique views):

  • Coronoid process: Thin, triangular radiopaque projection

  • Margins: Smooth and corticated

  • Height and shape: Variable but symmetric

  • Relationship: Clearly separated from the condylar process by the mandibular notch

CT appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • Bone cortex: Dense cortical margins with internal trabecular bone

  • Shape: Triangular or hook-shaped projection

  • Symmetry: Normally symmetric bilaterally

  • Adjacent structures: Clear delineation from condyle and ramus

Post-contrast CT:

  • Bone: No enhancement

  • Surrounding soft tissues: Normal enhancement patterns

3D CT VRT appearance

Volume-rendered technique (VRT):

  • Coronoid process: Clearly visualized superior triangular projection

  • Mandibular notch: Well-defined concavity between coronoid and condyle

  • Symmetry: Useful for comparing bilateral morphology

  • Clinical utility: Excellent for surgical planning and assessment of mandibular shape

MRI appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Cortical bone: Very low signal intensity

  • Marrow (if present): Intermediate signal

  • Temporalis tendon: Low-signal band inserting onto coronoid process

T2-weighted images:

  • Bone cortex: Low signal

  • Adjacent muscles: Intermediate signal

  • Mandibular notch region: Well delineated by surrounding soft tissues

CT VRT 3D image

Coronoid process of mandible 3D

CT image

Coronoid process of mandible CT anatomy image -img-00000-00000

MRI image

Coronoid process of mandible MRI anatomy image -img-00000-00000