The bones in your mouth are called the maxilla (upper jaw) and the mandible (lower jaw).
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
The Bones of Your Mouth: Maxilla and Mandible
Your mouth's framework is made up of two key bones that work together for chewing and speaking. These are:
Maxilla (Upper Jaw)
- The maxilla is the fixed upper jaw. It doesn't move.
- It is part of your face's structure and also supports the upper teeth.
Mandible (Lower Jaw)
- The mandible is the movable lower jaw. It is hinged and enables the mouth to open and close.
- It is responsible for the movement necessary for biting, chewing, and speaking.
- According to the reference, jaws, consisting of the maxilla and mandible, function by moving in opposition to each other and are used for biting, chewing, and the handling of food.
Summary Table of Jaw Bones
| Bone Name | Location | Movement | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maxilla | Upper jaw | Fixed | Supports upper teeth and facial structure |
| Mandible | Lower jaw | Movable | Enables chewing, biting, and speaking |
It's important to note that both the maxilla and mandible typically house teeth. The interaction of these two jaw bones, as mentioned in the reference, is crucial for handling food.
