This movement is caused by the The Temporomandibular Joint and the Muscles of Mastication. This articulation is a modified hinge type of synovial joint.
The articular surfaces are: (1) the head or condyle of the mandible inferiorly and (2) the articular tubercle and the mandibular fossa of the squamous part of the temporal bone.
An oval fibrocartilaginous articular disc divides the joint cavity into superior and inferior compartments. The disc is fused to the articular capsule surrounding the joint.
The articular disc is more firmly bound to the mandible than to the temporal bone.
Thus, when the head of the mandible slides anterior on the articular tubercle as the mouth is opened, the articular disc slides anteriorly against the posterior surface of the articular tubercle.
The chewing movements of the mandible are primarily produced by the coordinated action of several muscles, including the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles. These muscles work together to elevate, depress, and move the mandible side to side, allowing for effective grinding and crushing of food. The movements are controlled by the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V), which transmits signals between the brain and the muscles involved in mastication. Additionally, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) facilitates the mobility of the mandible during these movements.
The two being referenced are probably the maxilla and the mandible. However, if any of your facial bones were not present or were damaged (fractured), you would experience significant troubles with mastication.
The mandible is attached to the skull at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It allows for movements like opening and closing the mouth, chewing, and speaking.
The temporalis muscle acts to elevate and retract the mandible (lower jaw) during the process of chewing. It is one of the main muscles involved in mastication (chewing) and helps in closing the mouth during jaw movements.
The mandible, also known as the jaw bone, is the only movable bone in the facial skeleton. It is attached to the skull by the temporomandibular joint, allowing for movements such as chewing and speaking.
The mandible is attached to the skull at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint connects the mandible to the temporal bone of the skull and allows for movements necessary for chewing and speaking. The TMJ is a complex joint that can be affected by various conditions, leading to pain or dysfunction.
The masseter muscle is the chewing muscle covering the angle of the mandible. During bilateral contraction, the muscle elevates the mandible, raising the lower jaw.
Patella
chewing
MANDIBLE
mandible
The specific terminology that describes mandible movement from side to side is "lateral excursion." This movement involves the mandible shifting laterally, allowing for the grinding of food and facilitating the chewing process. Lateral excursion is an essential component of normal jaw function and is often assessed in dental and orthodontic evaluations.