Logo

    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Hamstrings
    Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus.
    Saddle Joints
    e.g., thumb joint
    Pectoralis Major
    Chest muscle responsible for shoulder movement.
    Latissimus Dorsi
    Back muscle responsible for arm adduction and extension.
    Flexor Tendons
    Tendons that help flex the fingers and toes.
    Sutures (in the skull)
    Fibrous joints between skull bones.
    Glenohumeral Ligaments
    Shoulder ligaments that stabilize the shoulder joint.
    Hyoid Bone
    U-shaped bone in the neck that supports the tongue.
    Synchondroses
    Cartilaginous joints where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage.
    Acetabulum
    The acetabulum is the pelvic socket that connects with the femoral head to form the hip joint, vital for stability, movement, and weight-bearing.
    Coracoacromial Ligament
    Ligament that connects the acromion to the coracoid process.
    Carpals (8 bones)
    8 wrist bones.
    Humerus
    Upper arm bone connecting the shoulder to the elbow.
    Sternum
    Breastbone located in the center of the chest.
    Ligamentum Flavum
    Spinal ligament connecting the laminae of adjacent vertebrae.
    Mandible
    Lower jawbone that houses the teeth.
    Thoracic Vertebrae (T1 - T12)
    Vertebrae in the upper and mid-back (T1-T12).
    Cranial Bones
    Bones of the skull that protect the brain.
    Temporal Bones
    Bones forming the lower sides of the skull and housing the ears.
    Rotator Cuff Muscles
    Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Subscapularis.
    Obliques (External and Internal)
    Muscles responsible for torso rotation.
    Extensor Tendons
    Tendons that help extend the fingers and toes.
    Diaphragm
    Primary muscle for breathing.
    Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the joint.
    Ribs (12 Pairs)
    12 pairs of bones that form the sides of the thoracic cage.

    Maxillae

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Upper jaw bones that house the teeth and form part of the orbit.

    1. Overview

    The maxillae are a pair of bones that form the upper jaw and a major portion of the facial skeleton. They play a key role in supporting the upper teeth, forming the orbit of the eye, the walls of the nasal cavity, and the hard palate. The two maxillae fuse at the midline during development, creating the foundation for much of the midface. These bones are critical for functions such as mastication, respiration, speech, and facial aesthetics.

    2. Location

    The maxillae are located in the central part of the facial skeleton:

    • Superiorly: Contribute to the floor of the orbits (eye sockets).

    • Inferiorly: Form the roof of the oral cavity and house the upper dental arch.

    • Medially: Border the nasal cavity and articulate with the opposite maxilla at the intermaxillary suture.

    • Laterally: Articulate with the zygomatic bones (cheekbones).

    3. Structure

    Each maxilla is an irregularly shaped bone made up of a body and four processes:

    • Body of the maxilla: Contains the maxillary sinus, a large air-filled cavity.

    • Frontal process: Projects upward to articulate with the frontal bone.

    • Zygomatic process: Extends laterally to meet the zygomatic bone.

    • Alveolar process: Contains sockets (alveoli) for the upper teeth.

    • Palatine process: Projects horizontally to form the anterior three-quarters of the hard palate.

    Important anatomical features:

    • Infraorbital foramen: Transmits the infraorbital nerve and vessels.

    • Canine fossa: A depression just above the canine tooth.

    • Maxillary sinus: The largest paranasal sinus, within the body of the maxilla.

    4. Function

    The maxillae serve multiple structural and functional purposes:

    • Support the upper teeth: The alveolar processes hold the upper dental arch in place.

    • Form key facial structures: Contribute to the nose, orbit, and mouth architecture.

    • Anchor facial muscles: Serve as attachment points for muscles of facial expression and mastication.

    • Facilitate air flow and speech: Help construct the oral and nasal cavities and hard palate.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    The maxillae play important roles beyond bone structure:

    • Respiration: Form the floor of the nasal cavity and house the maxillary sinuses, which warm and humidify inhaled air.

    • Speech production: Help form the roof of the mouth and nasal passages essential for proper resonance and articulation.

    • Growth and development: Guide the eruption of teeth and the development of the midface during childhood and adolescence.

    • Facial contour and aesthetics: Influence the prominence of the cheeks, nasal base, and upper lip support.

    6. Clinical Significance

    The maxillae are involved in various clinical conditions and surgical considerations:

    • Maxillary fractures:

      • Common in facial trauma; Le Fort fractures describe classic fracture patterns involving the maxilla (I, II, and III).

      • Can lead to occlusion issues, sinus disruption, and cosmetic deformity.

    • Cleft palate and cleft lip:

      • Congenital defects due to improper fusion of the maxillary processes; require surgical correction.

    • Maxillary sinusitis:

      • Infection or inflammation of the maxillary sinus can cause facial pain, nasal congestion, and referred dental discomfort.

    • Dental implications:

      • Tooth loss, infections, or abscesses in the upper teeth can affect the maxillary bone and sinus.

      • Implant placement in the maxilla may require sinus lift procedures.

    • Orthognathic surgery:

      • Maxillary repositioning may be performed for malocclusion, facial asymmetry, or obstructive sleep apnea.

    Did you know? Bones are responsible for protecting organs like the brain, heart, and lungs.