The mandible (from Latin mandibula, "jawbone") or inferior maxillary bone forms the lower jaw and holds the lower teeth in place. It also refers to both the upper and lower sections of the beaks of birds. Components The mandible consists of: a curved, horizontal portion, the body. (See body of mandible). two perpendicular portions, the rami, which unite with the ends of the body nearly at right angles. (See ramus mandibulae) Alveolar process, the tooth bearing area of the mandible (upper pa… (More on Mandibles)