Which bone is primarily responsible for the articulation of the jaw?

The mandible is the bone primarily responsible for the articulation of the jaw because it is the lower jawbone that connects to the skull at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint allows for the movements needed for chewing, speaking, and other functions. The mandible is unique in that it is the only movable bone of the skull, facilitating various motions such as opening and closing the mouth and moving the jaw forward and backward. This mobility is essential for the functions of mastication and speech, making the mandible key to jaw articulation.

In contrast, the maxilla serves as the upper jaw and does not move independently. The zygomatic bone contributes to the structure of the face but is not involved in jaw movement. The sphenoid bone is situated more centrally in the skull and is not directly involved in the articulation of the jaw either.