Mental foramen

The mental foramen is one of two foramina (openings) located on the anterior surface of the mandible. It transmits the terminal branches of the inferior alveolar nerve and vessels. The mental foramen descends slightly in toothless individuals.

Variations

The most frequent position (63%) of the mental foramen is in line with the longitudinal axis of the 2nd premolar tooth. Multiple mental foramina are observed in 17% of the sides. Only (4%) of the mandibles show bilateral multiple mental foramina. The majority of the multiple foramina are unequal in size: a single large foramen while the others are small (satellite) foramina. An incisive mental foramen is observed in 1% of the sides.

Additional images

Side view of the skull.

Side view of the skull.

The skull from the front.

The skull from the front.

Distribution of the maxillary and mandibular nerves, and the submaxillary ganglion.

Distribution of the maxillary and mandibular nerves, and the submaxillary ganglion.