THE ANATOMICAL STUDY OF THE PERIO-MENTAL FORAMINA

Objective To observe the feature and its continuity of anterior part of mandibular canal so as to offer a reliable anatomical data for the distric operation. Methods The anterior parts of the mandibular canals of 60 Chinese wet mandibles have been dissected and measured. Results The anterior end of the mandibular canal is divided into two canals: incisor never canal, which spreads forward in same direction. Mental canal, which bends backward and upward and outward then opens into mental foramina. Mental canal is about (2.26±0.60)mm in diameter and about (4.01±1.20)mm long. Incisor nerve canal is about (1.76±0.26)mm in diameter. It is about (3.54±0.72)mm horizontally from the anterior border of mental foramen to the posterior border or incisor nerve canal. It is about (9.53±1.43)mm vertically from the superior border of the incisor nerve canal to the superior border of the mandible. The inferior alveolar nerve at the end of mandibular canal is divided into two branches: The incisor nerve and the mental nerve. Conclusion The anterior end of mandibular canal extends into incisor nerve canal and mental canal containing the nerve of same name.