The inferior mental spine is a small protrusion of bone located on the inferior (lower) surface of the mandible, also known as the lower jaw. It is an important anatomic landmark that serves as an attachment point for muscles and ligaments, and is often used as a reference point in clinical procedures.
Structure
The inferior mental spine is a small, triangular-shaped protuberance of bone located on the inferior surface of the mandible. It is located just below the second premolar tooth (also known as the bicuspid), and is situated at the midline of the mandible. The inferior mental spine is formed by the convergence of two anatomic structures: the mental protuberance and the mylohyoid line.
The mental protuberance is a rounded prominence located on the inferior surface of the mandible, just below the second premolar tooth. It is formed by the convergence of the mentalis muscle and the mentalis fascia. The mentalis muscle is a thin, spindle-shaped muscle that originates from the mandible and inserts into the skin of the chin. It is responsible for elevating and protracting the lower lip and skin of the chin. The mentalis fascia is a thin sheet of connective tissue that covers the mentalis muscle and helps to anchor it to the mandible.
The mylohyoid line is a thin, curved line of bone that runs obliquely across the inferior surface of the mandible. It is formed by the convergence of the mylohyoid muscle and the mylohyoid ligament. The mylohyoid muscle is a thin, flat muscle that originates from the mandible and inserts into the hyoid bone. It is responsible for elevating the hyoid bone and larynx during swallowing and speech. The mylohyoid ligament is a thin, fibrous band of tissue that connects the mylohyoid muscle to the hyoid bone.
Location
The inferior mental spine is located on the inferior surface of the mandible, just below the second premolar tooth. It is situated at the midline of the mandible, and can be easily palpated (felt) by pressing down on the skin just below the bicuspid tooth.
Function
The inferior mental spine serves as an attachment point for several muscles and ligaments. The mentalis muscle and fascia attach to the mental protuberance, while the mylohyoid muscle and ligament attach to the mylohyoid line. These muscles and ligaments work together to elevate and protract the lower lip and skin of the chin, and to elevate the hyoid bone and larynx during swallowing and speech.
