Anatomy Chin
The chin (lat. Mentum) forms the lower end of the human face and is thus part of the lower face. The anatomical term for the chin region is Regio mentalis.
The most protruding point of the anterior chin surface is called pogonion. The so-called protuberantia mentalis of the lower jaw (mandibula) represents the bony foundation of the chin. Above this bony prominence lies a layer of subcutaneous fatty tissue of varying thickness, and above it the facial skin.
The sensitive nerve supply to the chin is provided by the nervus mentalis (originally from the 5th cranial nerve, the trigeminal nerve). The arterial blood supply to the chin is ensured by the arteria mentalis from the arteria alveolaris inferior (originates from the arteria carotis externa). As the lower end of our face, the chin contributes significantly to the aesthetics of our profile and at the same time to the symmetry and evenness of the entire face.
Both a receding chin (e.g., in the clinical pictures of mandibular retrognatia or underdevelopment of the lower jaw) and a very prominent chin (e.g., in the case of progeny or acromegaly) are perceived as less aesthetic. For this reason, a chin correction is a relatively common reason for consultation with a plastic surgeon. A double chin, which consists of an excess of fatty tissue or sagging skin folds below the chin, is also a common reason for surgical interventions on the chin region.
