Mandible

The mandible is an important structure involved in the essential functions of breathing and mastication. Many human syndromes with craniofacial anomalies include defects in mandible formation. Mandibular development depends on the processes of chondrogenesis and osteogenesis. Specifically, chondrogenesis involves the formation of Meckel¿s cartilage and coronoid, condylar and angular cartilage. It is the largest and strongest bone of the face. The mandible serves as an integral component of the skull and has been used extensively in numerous anthropological research.