What shape is the typical mandible of males?

The typical mandible of males is generally described as square-shaped due to its broader and more robust structure compared to that of females. This shape is characterized by a wider angle at the ramus and a more pronounced chin, which provides a distinctive profile often used in forensic identification and analysis. The square shape of the male mandible is one of the key secondary sexual characteristics used by forensic experts to help determine the sex of skeletal remains.

In contrast, female mandibles tend to be narrower and more V-shaped. This significant difference in craniofacial structure is influenced by various factors, including hormonal distinctions and differences in overall size and musculature, which affect bone density and shape. Understanding these morphological features is crucial in forensic science, particularly in the context of identifying skeletal remains in investigations.