Identify the joints that allow you to chew your favorite foods. A successful response will include: Structural AND functional classifications If applicable: the range of motion and type of movement of the joint and/or synovial classification. The articulating bones that form the joint(s) How the joint participates in mastication (chewing food)

The breaking up of food into smaller particles through the combined action of the teeth, muscles and joints is called MASTICATION. This helps to increase the surface area of food to make the enzyme activity easier during digestion.

A joint is a place where two or more bones meet or articulate.The joint involved in mastication( chewing) is called the TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINTS (TMJ). This joint is formed by the articulation of the mandible and the temporal bone of the skull.

Structurally TMJ is classified a s a synovial joint because it possesses articular cartilage on the bone surfaces, and a joint capsule that encloses synovial fluid. While functionally TMJ is classified as diarthrosis joint because it can move freely in different planes.

It's synovial classification it is known as a condyloid joint because it consist of an oval-shaped end of one bone fitting into a similarly oval-shaped hollow of another bone to allow angular movement along two axes. This enables it to have the following different movement:

--> mandibular depression,

--> elevation,

--> lateral deviation (which occurs to both the right and left sides),

-->retrusion and protrusion.

The articulating bones that forms the joint include the mandible and the temporal bone

The TMJ participates in mastication by allowing the movement of the mandible while the temporal bone remains in place