jaw, either of a pair of bones that form the framework of the mouth of vertebrate animals, usually containing teeth and including a movable lower jaw and fixed upper jaw (maxilla). Jaws function by moving in opposition to each other and are used for biting, chewing, and the handling of food.

In jawed vertebrates, the mandible (from the Latin mandibula, 'for chewing'), lower jaw, or jawbone is a bone that makes up the lower – and typically more mobile – component of the mouth (the upper jaw being known as the maxilla). The jawbone is the skull's only movable, posable bone, sharing joints with the cranium's temporal bones.

A jaw that’s too small, too large, or crooked can cause problems with chewing, speaking, breathing, and even sleeping. The shape of your jaws also affects the way your face looks. This sheet helps you understand how the teeth and jaws work.

Human lower jaw viewed from the left. The jaws are a pair of opposable articulated structures at the entrance of the mouth, typically used for grasping and manipulating food.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or jaw joint, is a synovial joint that allows the complex movements necessary for life. It is the joint between condylar head of the mandible and the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone.

Jan 20, 2025 · Having a basic knowledge of the anatomy of the jaw helps patients better communicate their symptoms, participate in treatment decisions, and actively manage their condition. The goal of this article is to help TMJ patients understand how their jaw muscles and joints work together.

Feb 7, 2022 · As stated, the mandible is located in the lower jaw, just inferior to the maxilla or upper jaw. You can easily feel the bone by touching your lower jawline. Forms the lower jawline, shaping the face and chin. The teeth in the lower jaw are also rooted to this bone. Helps in mastication or chewing of food.

Jun 10, 2024 · Discover the mechanics of the jaw: from chewing to speech and facial structure. Learn about jaw anatomy, issues, and treatments for optimal oral health.

The upper jaw is called the maxilla and is joined to the temporal bone. The lower jaw is called the mandible or mandibular bone. The term “temporomandibular” refers to the connection between these two bones.

Feb 25, 2023 · Jaw, one of the two bones that form the framework of the mouth in vertebrates, the mandible and the maxilla; the mandible is the lower jaw and the maxilla is the upper jaw. Biting, chewing, and manipulating food all require functional jaws that move in different directions.