Which of the following cranial bones receives the condyle of the mandible?

• A. the maxilla
• B. the zygomatic bone
• C. the sphenoid bone
• D. the temporal bone

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the anatomical location of the mandible and its condyle. The mandible is the lower jawbone, and the condyle is the rounded end that articulates with the skull.
2. Understand the function of the condyle of the mandible. It forms part of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which allows for the movement of the jaw.
3. Review the cranial bones and their locations. The temporal bone is located on the sides of the skull and is involved in forming the TMJ.
4. Recognize that the temporal bone has a specific part called the mandibular fossa, which receives the condyle of the mandible.
5. Conclude that the temporal bone is the correct answer, as it is the bone that articulates with the condyle of the mandible to form the TMJ.