What is the lower jawbone called?

The lower jawbone is referred to as the mandible. This bone is crucial for various functions, including chewing and speaking, as it houses the lower teeth and supports the muscles necessary for moving the jaw. The mandible is the strongest and largest bone in the face, articulating with the temporal bones of the skull at the temporomandibular joint, which allows for its movement.

The maxilla, mentioned as another choice, is the upper jawbone and does not fulfill the same role as the mandible. The palatine bones are located at the back of the nasal cavity and form part of the hard palate, while the frontal bone is part of the skull that forms the forehead and the upper orbits of the eyes. Understanding the function and structure of these bones is essential for evaluating anatomical features in horses, particularly in the context of horse evaluation and management.