The bony framework of the lower face that holds the teeth and articulates with the skull at the temporomandibular joint.
Structure
In common usage, the jaw refers to the mandible, the U-shaped lower jaw bone. The upper jaw is formed by the paired maxillae and is fused to the rest of the skull.
Function
The jaw moves up, down, side to side, and slightly forward, powered by the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles. This wide range of motion lets us grind food and articulate complex sounds.
Clinical note
Jaw pain or clicking often signals temporomandibular joint dysfunction, a common disorder of the joint and surrounding muscles.
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Jaw starts with J and ends with W. Browse other body parts along the same letter.
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