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The 'maxilla' is a fusion of two bones along the palatal fissure that form the upper jaw. This is similar to the 'mandible', which is also a fusion of two halves at the mental symphysis.

Contents

Function

Components

Articulations

Additional images

See also

References

External links

Function

The alveolar process of the maxilla holds the upper teeth, and is referred to as the maxillary arch. The maxilla attaches laterally to the zygomatic bones (cheek bones).
The maxilla assists in forming the boundaries of three cavities:

★ the roof of the mouth

★ the floor and lateral wall of the nasal antrum

★ the floor of the orbit
The maxilla also enters into the formation of two fossae: the infratemporal and pterygopalatine, and two fissures, the inferior orbital and pterygomaxillary.

Components

Each half of the fused maxilla consists of:

★ The body of the maxilla

★ Four processes

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★ The zygomatic process

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★ The frontal process

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★ The alveolar process

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★ The palatine process

★ Infraorbital foramen

Articulations

The maxilla articulates with nine bones:

★ two of the cranium: the frontal and ethmoid

★ seven of the face: the nasal, zygomatic, lacrimal, inferior nasal concha, palatine, vomer, and the adjacent fused maxillary bone.
Sometimes it articulates with the orbital surface, and sometimes with the lateral pterygoid plate of the sphenoid.

Additional images

See also

★ Bone terminology

★ Terms for anatomical location

★ Ossification of maxilla

★ Hypostome

References

1.

External links

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