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AlienJaw

Closeup of the Alien's inner jaw.

The inner jaw, also known as the inner mouth,[1] is one of the most iconic physical features of the species Xenomorph XX121. It consists of a piston-like tongue tipped with a secondary set of jaws located inside the creature's mouth. Xenomorphs are capable of extending their inner jaws with ferocious speed and force as a means of attack, and it is in many ways their signature method of killing their victims.

Overview[]

The inner jaw is capable of extending up to half a meter from the creature's head,[2] although typically it is used only at close quarters. The piston-like appendage is incredibly powerful, easily capable of punching a hole through bone and even metal;[3][4] striking force has been estimated at between 70-100PSI.[5]

The inner jaw is chiefly associated with the creature's signature method of killing — the "Headbite", whereby the jaw is used to pierce the victim's skull and destroy the brain within. However, the jaw is not only targeted at the victim's head, and has also been used to deliver fatal strikes against other sensitive areas of the body, including the neck[6][7] and chest.[8] Xenomorphs have commonly been seen to pause before delivering a blow with the inner jaw; typically the creature will slowly peel back its lips and open its mouth, before the inner jaw suddenly shoots out with incredible speed.[3][9] This process is often accompanied by a rising hissing sound, indicating it may be necessary for the Xenomorph to gradually build up in advance the potential energy required to propel the jaw with such devastating force. It is also possible, although perhaps less likely, that the delay is simply a conscious means of prolonging the prey's suffering, especially as Headbites are usually performed on the frontal areas of the head, making the creature's teeth and jaws plainly visible to the victim.

The proboscis upon which the inner jaw is located is prehensile,[8] although for maximum effect it is locked straight and rigid when being used to deliver a blow. It is unclear if there is any biological function of the inner jaw other than as a means of attack. When comparing the tongue to animals with similar pharyngeal jaws on Earth, it seems possible it might play some role in the consumption of food. However, as the dietary habits of the Xenomorphs have never been explored in depth, this remains speculative. On rare occasions, Xenomorphs have been seen to extend their inner jaw even when not attacking prey, and to do so with far less speed and force than is commonly associated with the proboscis.[3] Again, the reasons for this are unclear.

The inner jaw also does not appear to be permanently rigid organ — when Ripley 8 tore one from a deceased Cloned Xenomorph aboard the USM Auriga, it was flaccid; this would imply that the organ is only rigid when the creature is alive or, more likely, when it is used offensively. Thus the pause typically observed before the Xenomorph strikes with its inner jaw may be the creature hardening it for deadly effect.

Notably, some Predaliens have lacked inner jaws. The Predaliens encountered on LV-1201 are some such examples.

Some lifeforms infected with Chemical A0-3959X.91 – 15 also developed inner jaws, such as the kopats of Shānmén.

Trivia[]

  • Along with the tail and shape of the head, the Inner Jaw and Headbite are likely more facets of the overall phallic and sexually violent undertones Giger meant for the Xenomorph.
  • Not all Xenomorphs have Inner Jaws. Workers, an evolution or perhaps variation of the standard drone, have a long, pink tongue for secreting Hive resin.
  • The snake alien's Inner Jaw has the longest reach out of any Xenomorph shown thus far.

Gallery[]

References[]

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