The mandible and the maxilla are both crucial components of the human skull, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics.
The mandible, commonly known as the lower jaw, is the only movable bone of the skull. It is shaped like a horseshoe and holds the lower teeth in place, allowing for actions such as chewing and speaking. The mandible articulates with the temporal bone at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), enabling its movement.
On the other hand, the maxilla refers to the upper jaw, which is a fixed bone that does not move. It supports the upper teeth and forms part of the orbit of the eye as well as the hard palate of the mouth. Unlike the mandible, the maxilla is fused with other skull bones, providing structure and stability to the face.
In summary, the key difference lies in their mobility and function: the mandible is the movable lower jaw that is essential for chewing, while the maxilla is the stationary upper jaw, essential for housing the upper teeth and supporting facial structure.