Jaw Joint
The jaw is either of the two opposable structures forming, or near the entrance to, the
mouthIn vertebrates, the lower jaw, dentary or
mandible is the mobile component that articulates at its posterior processes, or rami (singular ramus), with the temporal bones of the skull on either side; the word jaw used in the singular typically refers to the lower jaw.The upper jaw or
maxilla is more or less fixed with the skull and is composed of two bones, the maxillae, fused intimately at the median line by a suture; incomplete closure of this suture and surrounding structures may be involved in the malformation known as cleft palate.The maxillary bones form parts of the roof of the mouth, the floor and sides of the
nasal cavity, and the floor of the orbit or eye socket.The jaws typically accommodate the
teeth or form the bases for the attachment of a beak.The term "TMJ Dysfunction" describes an imbalance in the relationship of the jaw to the skull. This imbalance causes two problems for those that suffer from it. First, it leads to improper alignment of the Temporomandibular Joints (TMJs) which connect these two bones. Secondly, it creates disharmony in the muscles which attach to the bones. The cascade of painful symptoms that arise solely from these two problems is staggering to most people. Although most times the pain is not actually in the TMJs themselves, you can feel your own by pressing your fingers just in front of your ears and opening and closing your mouth.