Excursive movements refer to which type of jaw movement?

Excursive movements relate to the lateral movements of the jaw, specifically when the mandible moves sideways to the left or to the right. This type of movement is essential in the function of dental occlusion and is critical for tasks such as chewing, where the jaw needs to move laterally to effectively grind food. In a healthy occlusion, these movements allow for a balanced distribution of forces on the teeth and help maintain oral health.

The relationship between the upper and lower jaws during lateral movements can also demonstrate how well the occlusion is functioning. Understanding excursive movements is vital for various procedures, including orthodontics and restorative dentistry, as these movements can affect how dental restorations fit and function.

In contrast, other answer choices refer to different types of jaw movements. For example, thrusting the lower jaw forward indicates protrusive movement, while vertical overlap addresses a static position of the incisor teeth. Touching the upper and lower teeth together signifies a centric occlusion, not excursive movement. Therefore, the definition of excursive movements aligns specifically with left and right lateral jaw movements.