Which bone forms the lower jaw and is a primary focus in mandible imaging?

• A. Hyoid bone
• B. Mandible
• C. Nasal bone
• D. Zygomatic bone

Answer: (B)

The bone that forms the lower jaw is the mandible. It’s the largest facial bone and the only movable bone of the skull, with a body and two rami that articulate with the temporal bones at the temporomandibular joints. It houses the lower teeth and the alveolar process, so mandible imaging focuses on evaluating its structure, alignment, and any trauma or dental pathology. The hyoid sits in the neck, the nasal bone forms the nasal bridge, and the zygomatic bone forms the cheek, none of which constitute the lower jaw.