New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

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What is the lower jawbone called?

  1. Zygoma

  2. Maxillae

  3. Mandible

  4. Mastoid

The correct answer is: Mandible

The lower jawbone is known as the mandible. This bone is the largest and strongest bone of the face, playing a key role in various functions, such as mastication (chewing), speech, and providing structure to the lower facial region. The mandible forms a significant portion of the jaw and is the only moveable bone of the skull, allowing it to open and close during actions like talking and eating. The zygoma, known as the cheekbone, contributes to the structure of the face but does not serve as the lower jawbone. The maxillae are the upper jawbones that hold the upper teeth and form part of the eye sockets, while the mastoid refers to a part of the temporal bone located behind the ear, playing no role in the structure of the jaw. Understanding these distinctions is important as they highlight the unique anatomy of the facial bones.