Jaw (Ćehu′pa)

The term "Jaw (Ćehu′pa)" refers to the anatomical structure in vertebrate animals forming the framework of the mouth. The primary function of the jaw is the grasping and manipulation of food. In humans and other mammals, the jaw consists of two bony structures: the maxilla (upper jaw) and the mandible (lower jaw).

The maxilla is fused to the skull and provides support for the upper teeth. It also contributes to the formation of the hard palate, the roof of the mouth, and the nasal cavity. The mandible, or lower jaw, is a movable bone that articulates with the temporal bone at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This articulation allows for the opening and closing of the mouth, as well as lateral movements essential for chewing. The mandible houses the lower teeth.

The jaw's structure and function vary significantly across different species depending on their feeding habits and evolutionary adaptations. For example, some fish possess specialized jaws for crushing shells, while snakes have highly flexible jaws allowing them to swallow prey much larger than their head.

The term "Ćehu′pa" is included in the entry to provide an alternative designation for the word, potentially in a specific language or context; however, without further details regarding its origin or significance, its usage remains contextually ambiguous within a general encyclopedic definition of "jaw."