Abstract:
Background. Mandible development begins in the 6th
week of intrauterine life and continues through prenatal
and post-natal periods. Originating from the first pharyngeal
arch, the mandible forms via primary intramembranous
ossification around Meckel’s cartilage, with secondary cartilage
contributing to various structures. Objective of the
study. To provide a comprehensive review of the morphological
development of the mandible during prenatal and
post-natal periods, emphasizing the clinical implications
for craniofacial abnormalities. Material and methods. The
literature review was conducted, focusing on the embryological
development of the mandible, including the initial
formation from neural crest cells, the role of the mandibular
division of the trigeminal nerve, and the subsequent ossification
processes. The study examines primary and secondary
cartilage contributions, the growth patterns of trabecular
bones, and the formation of key mandibular structures.
Results. Mandibular development begins with neural crest
cell migration to the mandibular arch, forming the primary
intramembranous ossification around Meckel’s cartilage.
Secondary cartilage later develops into the coronoid process,
mental tuberance, and condylar head. Initial trabecular
bone growth forms the symphysis, coronoid process, and
mandibular body. By the 8th week, rapid trabecular bone
growth supports muscle formation and lengthening. The
mandible separates from Meckel’s cartilage, forming the
condyle blastema, which fuses by endochondrial ossification
at the midline, completing the mandibular symphysis.
Conclusions. Understanding the intricate development of
the mandible has significant clinical implications, particularly
for diagnosing and treating craniofacial abnormalities.
