Mandibular movement around the horizontal axis is an opening and closing motion. … When the condyles are in their most superior position in the articular fossae and the mouth is purely rotated open, the axis around which movement occurs is called the terminal hinge axis.

How does our mandible moves up and down?

The TMJs are among the most complex joints in the body. These joints, along with several muscles, allow the mandible to move up and down, side to side, and forward and back. When the mandible and the joints are properly aligned, smooth muscle actions, such as chewing, talking, yawning, and swallowing, can take place.

Which direction do mandibles move?

Early in the closing stroke, the entire mandible moves laterally. The working side (lateral) condyle moves upward and rearward and reaches its terminal position at the most vertical rearward position of its path before the teeth approach each other far enough to intercuspate.