The

symphysis A symphysis (, pl. symphyses) is a fibrocartilaginous fusion between two bones. It is a type of cartilaginous joint, specifically a secondary cartilaginous joint. # A symphysis is an amphiarthrosis, a slightly movable joint. # A growing together ...

of the external surface of the

mandible In anatomy, the mandible, lower jaw or jawbone is the largest, strongest and lowest bone in the human facial skeleton. It forms the lower jaw and holds the lower tooth, teeth in place. The mandible sits beneath the maxilla. It is the only movabl ...

divides below and encloses a triangular eminence, the mental protuberance, the base of which is depressed in the center but raised on either side to form the ''

mental tubercle The mandibular symphysis divides below and encloses a triangular eminence, the mental protuberance The symphysis of the external surface of the mandible divides below and encloses a triangular eminence, the mental protuberance, the base of which ...

''. The size and shape of the bones making up this structure are responsible for the size and shape of a person's chin. Synonyms of ''mental protuberance'' include ''mental process'' and ''protuberantia mentalis.'' ''Mental'' in this sense derives from Latin ''mentum'' (chin), not ''mens'' (mind), source of the more common meaning of ''mental''.

References

External links

* Bones of the head and neck {{musculoskeletal-stub