Variations in the Shape of the Coronoid Process in the Adult Human Mandible

Abstract

The shape of the coronoid processes of both sides of 157 dry adult human mandibles, 100 males and 57 females of Indian origin, were studied in order to classify the variations. Three types were evident : I, hook shaped; 2, triangular; and 3, rounded. Hook shaped coronoid processes were found in 86 (27.4%) sides, triangular in 154 (49%), and rounded in 74 (23.6%) sides. Hook shaped coronoid processes were found bilaterally in 35, triangular in 64 and rounded in 26 mandibles. Of the remaining 32 mandibles, the appearances were different on both the sides. The incidence of the rounded type was almost equal in male and female mandibles; in the triangular type it was slightly more in the female mandibles while the hook shaped type was slightly more in the male mandibles.