The mandibular foramen is an opening on the internal surface of the ramus of the mandible.

The mandibular foramen is an opening on the internal surface of the ramus of the mandible.

[1][2] It allows for divisions of the mandibular nerve and blood vessels to pass through.

Rarely, a bifid inferior alveolar nerve may be present, in which case a second mandibular foramen, more inferiorly placed, exists and can be detected by noting a doubled mandibular canal on a radiograph.

[1] Local anaesthetic can be injected around the mandibular foramen to anaesthetise the mandibular nerve, and thereby the mandible the lower teeth on that side, and some skin on the lower face.