The term "γνάθου" (gnathos) refers to the jaw or jawbone in ancient Greek. It is often used in anatomical contexts to describe the structure that supports the teeth and facilitates chewing. The jaw plays a crucial role in the digestive process by breaking down food into smaller pieces. In the study of anatomy, the jaw is divided into two main parts: the upper jaw, known as the maxilla, and the lower jaw, called the mandible. These bones are essential for various functions, including speaking, eating, and facial expressions, making them vital components of the human skeletal system.