Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the EMT Intermediate Exam. Utilize multiple choice questions with detailed explanations and hints. Get the confidence you need to pass your exam and advance your career in emergency medical services!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What are the upper jawbones called?

  1. Mandibles

  2. Maxillae

  3. Zygomatic bones

  4. Palatine bones

The correct answer is: Maxillae

The upper jawbones are called the maxillae. These bones form the upper part of the jaw and hold the upper teeth, playing a crucial role in the structure of the face and the formation of the mouth's roof. The maxillae also contribute to the orbit of the eye and the nasal cavity, making them essential not just for dental health but also for the overall anatomy of the face. In contrast, the mandibles refer to the lower jawbone, which is responsible for holding the lower teeth and allowing for movements such as chewing. The zygomatic bones are commonly known as the cheekbones and provide structure to the face but do not serve as the upper jaw. Lastly, the palatine bones are part of the hard palate and contribute to the structure of the oral cavity and the nasal cavity but do not form the upper jaw itself. Understanding these distinctions is important for a clear grasp of cranial and facial anatomy.