The mandible (from Latin mandibula, "jawbone") or inferior maxillary bone is, together with the maxilla, the largest and strongest bone of the face . It forms the lower jaw and holds the lower teeth in place. 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 (uppe… (More on Dentary)