ülalõualuus

Ulalõualuus refers to the mandible, which is the bone forming the lower jaw in vertebrates. It is a single, unpaired bone that is fused at the midline. The mandible supports the lower teeth and plays a crucial role in mastication, or chewing. It is a complex structure with several distinct parts, including the body, the ramus, the angle, and the condylar process. The body of the mandible extends horizontally and contains the alveolar process where the teeth are embedded. The ramus projects vertically upwards from the posterior part of the body, and the angle is the junction between the body and the ramus. At the superior end of the ramus, the condylar process articulates with the temporal bone at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), allowing for the movement of the jaw. The mandible also serves as an attachment point for various muscles of mastication and facial expression. In humans, the mandible is one of the largest and strongest bones of the face. Its development begins early in embryonic life and continues throughout adolescence. Fractures of the mandible are common injuries that can significantly impact a person's ability to eat and speak.