Which bone is known as the mandible?

The mandible is indeed the bone that serves as the lower jaw in humans and many animals. It is the only movable bone of the skull, articulating with the temporal bone at the temporomandibular joint, which allows for the motion necessary for chewing and speaking. The structure of the mandible is robust, providing support for the lower teeth, and it plays a crucial role in facial symmetry and aesthetics.

In contrast, the nasal bone constitutes part of the bridge of the nose and does not have a role as significant as the mandible in terms of movement or function. The zygomatic bone, also known as the cheekbone, contributes to the structure of the face but is not involved in jaw movement. The maxilla is the upper jaw bone and houses the upper teeth, but it does not move independently like the mandible. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why the mandible is uniquely referred to as such among the other bones listed.