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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Metatarsals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the mid-foot.
    Sphenoid Bone
    Bone forming part of the base of the skull and sides of the orbits.
    Metacarpals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the palm of the hand.
    Parietal Bones
    Bones forming the sides and roof of the skull.
    Biceps Brachii
    Muscle responsible for elbow flexion.
    Anterior Scalene Muscle
    The anterior scalene muscle is a deep neck muscle that elevates the first rib during inspiration and aids in neck flexion and stability, located between key neurovascular structures.
    Vomer Bone
    Bone forming the nasal septum.
    Skull
    Bony structure of the head that encases the brain.
    Sternum
    Breastbone located in the center of the chest.
    Humerus
    Upper arm bone connecting the shoulder to the elbow.
    Mandible
    Lower jawbone that houses the teeth.
    Thoracic Cage
    Ribs and sternum forming the protective cage for the heart and lungs.
    Ischium
    Part of the pelvis that supports weight while sitting.
    Occipital Bone
    Bone forming the back and base of the skull.
    Ethmoid Bone
    Bone forming part of the nasal cavity and the orbit.
    Hyoid Bone
    U-shaped bone in the neck that supports the tongue.
    Annular Ligament
    The annular ligament is a strong fibrous band encircling the head of the radius, stabilizing the proximal radioulnar joint and allowing smooth rotation of the forearm.
    Temporal Bones
    Bones forming the lower sides of the skull and housing the ears.
    Acromioclavicular Joint
    The acromioclavicular joint connects the clavicle and scapula at the top of the shoulder, enabling smooth scapular motion and stability during arm movements.
    Ilium
    Uppermost and largest part of the hip bone.
    Ellipsoidal (Condyloid) Joints
    e.g., wrist
    Scapula
    Shoulder blade providing attachment for muscles of the upper limb.
    Cranial Bones
    Bones of the skull that protect the brain.
    Obliques (External and Internal)
    Muscles responsible for torso rotation.
    Lacrimal Bones
    Bones forming part of the eye socket and housing the tear ducts.

    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 become stronger when stressed by exercise.