What is the name of the joint that allows for movement of the mandible?

The correct answer is the temporomandibular joint, which is the joint responsible for the movement of the mandible, or lower jaw. This joint connects the mandible to the temporal bone of the skull, allowing for a wide range of motions such as opening and closing the mouth, as well as movements needed for chewing and speaking. The intricacy of the temporomandibular joint also involves ligaments, muscles, and a disk that helps absorb shock and enhances its range of motion.

Other joints mentioned serve different functions: the atlantoaxial joint allows for the rotation of the head, particularly the first two cervical vertebrae; the glenohumeral joint is the shoulder joint responsible for the mobility of the arm; and the sacroiliac joint connects the spine to the pelvis and bears weight, but does not facilitate movement of the mandible. Understanding the specific functions of each joint helps clarify why the temporomandibular joint is the only one that allows for the movement of the mandible.