[Mandibular growth, its environmental interactions].

A thorough knowledge of mandibular growth is necessary for proper comprehension of growth disorders and malformations affecting the lateral cranio-facial region. The growth mechanisms are complex and multifactorial, the mandible itself is subdivided into two heterogeneous and interdependent segments, as far as growth is concerned. These are the ramus and the corpus. The ramus is interacting with the middle cranial base through the TMJ and the temporo-pterygoid muscle belt. The mandibular body is interacting with the maxilla and the anterior cranial base. Its occlusal role is a function of the adaptive capacity of the alveolodental region.