Jaw facts for kids
For the movie about a shark, see Jaws (movie).
A jaw is a very important part of the skull in many animals. It's usually made of bone or cartilage. The main job of a jaw is to hold teeth and help with chewing food. It also helps animals grab things and even defend themselves.
In humans, the jaw lets your mouth open and close. This movement is super important for eating, talking, and even yawning!
Contents
What is the Jaw?
The jaw is a pair of strong bones that form the framework of the mouth. It holds the teeth and helps with biting and chewing food. Jaws are found in many different animals, from tiny insects to huge sharks.
Human Jaws: Upper and Lower
Humans have two main parts to their jaw:
- The upper jaw is called the maxilla. It's fixed and doesn't move. It's part of your face and skull.
- The lower jaw is called the mandible. This is the part that moves up and down. It's the only bone in your head that can move freely.
The lower jaw connects to the skull near your ears. This connection is a special joint called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It works like a hinge, letting your mouth open wide and close tightly.
How Jaws Help Us Eat
Your jaw muscles are very powerful. They help you bite into food and grind it down with your teeth. This process, called chewing, breaks food into smaller pieces. Smaller pieces are easier to swallow and digest. Without a working jaw, eating would be very difficult!
Jaws in Other Animals
Jaws aren't just for humans! Many different animals have jaws, but they can look and work very differently.
Insect Jaws
Insects have jaws called mandibles. Unlike human jaws that move up and down, insect mandibles often move side to side. They use these strong jaws to cut, crush, or chew their food. For example, ants use their mandibles to carry things, fight, and even build their nests.
Fish Jaws
Most fish have jaws that help them catch and eat their prey. Sharks, for instance, have incredibly powerful jaws filled with many rows of sharp teeth. They use these jaws to grab and tear their food. Some fish can even extend their jaws forward very quickly to suck in prey.
Bird Jaws
Birds don't have teeth, but they have beaks, which are like jaws covered in a hard, bony layer. A bird's beak is used for many things, like picking up food, building nests, and preening their feathers. The shape of a bird's beak often tells you what kind of food it eats.
Images for kids
-
A robot that helps kids learn.
