In a normally growing individual, the overall direction of mandibular displacement is:

The mandible is displaced downward and forward relative to the cranial base while new bone is added at the posterior and superior surfaces (condyle and ramus). The net effect carries the mandible down and forward.Other options: The other directions do not describe the normal pattern of mandibular displacement.Key exam takeaway: Both the maxilla and mandible are displaced downward and forward during normal growth.