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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Gastrocnemius
    Calf muscle responsible for plantarflexion of the foot.
    Ethmoid Bone
    Bone forming part of the nasal cavity and the orbit.
    Pubis
    Part of the pelvis that joins with the opposite side to form the pubic symphysis.
    Gliding (Plane) Joints
    e.g., between carpals
    Hamstrings
    Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus.
    Thoracic Cage
    Ribs and sternum forming the protective cage for the heart and lungs.
    Hyoid Bone
    U-shaped bone in the neck that supports the tongue.
    Cervical Vertebrae (C1 - C7)
    Vertebrae in the neck region (C1-C7).
    Radius
    Forearm bone on the thumb side.
    Hinge Joints
    e.g., elbow, knee
    Lacrimal Bones
    Bones forming part of the eye socket and housing the tear ducts.
    Inferior Nasal Conchae
    Bones inside the nasal cavity that filter and humidify air.
    Lumbar Vertebrae (L1 - L5)
    Vertebrae in the lower back (L1-L5).
    Temporal Bones
    Bones forming the lower sides of the skull and housing the ears.
    Patella
    Knee cap, protecting the knee joint.
    Mandible
    Lower jawbone that houses the teeth.
    Masseter
    Muscle that elevates the mandible.
    Deltoid
    Shoulder muscle responsible for arm abduction.
    Ischium
    Part of the pelvis that supports weight while sitting.
    Diaphragm
    Primary muscle for breathing.
    Nasal Bones
    Bones forming the bridge of the nose.
    Thoracic Vertebrae (T1 - T12)
    Vertebrae in the upper and mid-back (T1-T12).
    Ribs (12 Pairs)
    12 pairs of bones that form the sides of the thoracic cage.
    Sacrum
    Triangular bone at the base of the spine.
    Sphenoid Bone
    Bone forming part of the base of the skull and sides of the orbits.

    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.