Mandibular canal

Last revised by Henry Knipe on 24 Aug 2021

The mandibular canal, also known as the inferior alveolar canal (IAC), is located within the internal aspect of the mandible and contains the inferior alveolar nerveartery and vein. It starts at the mandibular foramen, on the lingual side of the ramus, continues on the buccal surface of the mandibular body and ends at the mental foramen, adjacent to the second mandibular premolar tooth 1.

Variant anatomy

  • accessory mandibular canal
    • bifid mandibular canal: ~15% prevalence
    • trifid mandibular canal: ~2% prevalence 2

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