What is the upper jaw bone referred to as?

The upper jawbone is referred to as the maxilla. This bone forms the central portion of the facial skeleton and plays a crucial role in supporting the upper teeth, forming the hard palate of the mouth, and contributing to the structure of the nasal cavity and eye sockets. The maxilla is also significant for its involvement in various facial esthetics and functions, such as speaking and chewing.

While the mandible refers to the lower jaw and is the only movable bone of the skull, it does not pertain to the upper jaw. The temporal bone is located at the sides and base of the skull, involved in housing structures of the ear and supporting the temples, while the frontal bone forms the forehead and the upper part of the eye sockets. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why the maxilla is the correct term for the upper jawbone.