Shorts

•In two ways the overall pattern of growth of the mandible can be represented .It will depend on the frame of reference if both are correct. The chin moves downward and forward if the cranium is the reference area.
On the other hand, it becomes apparent that the principal sites of growth of the mandible are the posterior surface of the ramus and the condylar and coronoid processes if data from vital staining experiments are examined. Along the anterior part of the mandible there is little change
• The chin is almost inactive as a growth site. As the actual growth occurs at the mandibular condyle and along the posterior surface of the ramus it is translated downward and forward. By periosteal apposition of bone on its posterior surface the body of the mandible grows longer , at the condyle accompanied by surface remodeling while the ramus grows higher by endochondral replacement
• Conceptually,wiht is correct to view the mandible as being translated downward and forward,though at the same time  it increases in size by growing upward and backward. As the bone moves downward the translation occurs largely. As the bone moves downward and forward along with the soft tissues in which it is embedded the translation occurs largely