Ramus

Ramus refers to a part of a bone that forms an angle with the rest, especially the ascending part of the lower jaw that makes a joint at the temple. It can also refer to a branch, such as a branch of a blood vessel or nerve.

Anatomy

In anatomy, the term "ramus" denotes a part of a bone that forms an angle with the rest of the structure. It is used in several contexts:

• Ramus of mandible: The vertical part of the lower jaw that projects upward to meet the temporal bone at the temporomandibular joint.
• Ramus of pubis: The part of the pubic bone that extends backward from the body of the pubis and meets the ilium and ischium to form part of the acetabulum.
• Superior pubic ramus: The superior extension of the pubic bone that forms a portion of the obturator foramen.
• Inferior pubic ramus: The inferior extension of the pubic bone that forms a portion of the obturator foramen.

Neurology

In neurology, "ramus" refers to a branch of a nerve or blood vessel. For example:

• Ramus communicans: A nerve branch that connects two primary nerve trunks.
• Posterior ramus of spinal nerve: The smaller branch of a spinal nerve that serves the deep muscles and skin of the back.
• Anterior ramus of spinal nerve: The larger branch of a spinal nerve that serves the anterior and lateral muscles and the skin of the body.

See also

• Ramus ophthalmicus
• Ramus auricularis
• Ramus meningeus