What is the term used for the joint between the upper and lower jaws?

The term used for the joint between the upper and lower jaws is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint is crucial as it allows for the movement of the jaw, enabling functions such as chewing, speaking, and making facial expressions. The TMJ is a complex structure that involves the mandibular condyle of the lower jaw and the articular fossa of the temporal bone of the skull, making it a pivotal component in the functionality of the jaw.

Other terms listed refer to anatomical structures associated with the jaw but do not describe the joint itself. The glenoid fossa is the depression in the temporal bone where the mandibular condyle rests, contributing to the joint but not defining it. The coronoid process is a projection of the mandible that provides attachment for muscles but is not a joint. Similarly, the mandibular notch is an indentation between the coronoid and condylar processes of the mandible, providing a space for muscle attachment but lacking joint functionality. Understanding the role of the TMJ is essential for dental assistants as it relates to various clinical conditions, such as temporomandibular disorders.