Coronoid process of the mandible

The mandible's coronoid process (from Greek korone, 'like a crown') is a thin, triangular eminence, which is flattened from side to side and varies in shape and size.Position of coronoid process in skull (shown in red). Animation.Position of coronoid process in mandible (shown in red). Animation.Mandible. Outer surface. Side view. (Coronoid process labeled at top center.)Medial surface.The Temporalis; the zygomatic arch and Masseter have been removed.Coronoid process of mandibleMandibular nerve and bone. Deep dissection. Anterior view.Infratemporal fossa. Lingual and inferior alveolar nerve. Deep dissection. Anterolateral view The mandible's coronoid process (from Greek korone, 'like a crown') is a thin, triangular eminence, which is flattened from side to side and varies in shape and size. Its anterior border is convex and is continuous below with the anterior border of the ramus. Its posterior border is concave and forms the anterior boundary of the mandibular notch. Its lateral surface is smooth, and affords insertion to the temporalis and masseter muscles. Its medial surface gives insertion to the temporalis, and presents a ridge which begins near the apex of the process and runs downward and forward to the inner side of the last molar tooth. Between this ridge and the anterior border is a grooved triangular area, the upper part of which gives attachment to the temporalis, the lower part to some fibers of the buccinator. Mandible fractures are common injuries. However, coronoid process fractures are very rare. Isolated fractures of the coronoid process caused by direct trauma are rare, as it is anatomically protected by the complex zygomatic arch/ temporo-zygomatic bone and their associated muscles. Most fractures here are caused by strokes (contusion or penetrating injuries). This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 174 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)