The jaw is a bony structure in the face that holds the teeth and helps in chewing food. It consists of two main parts: the upper jaw, known as the maxilla, and the lower jaw, called the mandible. The jaw plays a crucial role in the digestive process by breaking down food into smaller pieces.
In addition to its function in eating, the jaw is important for speech and facial expressions. It is connected to the skull by joints called temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which allow for movement. Proper jaw alignment is essential for overall oral health and comfort.