Logo

    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Metacarpals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the palm of the hand.
    Inferior Nasal Conchae
    Bones inside the nasal cavity that filter and humidify air.
    Pectoralis Major
    Chest muscle responsible for shoulder movement.
    Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the joint.
    Hamstrings
    Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus.
    Phalanges (14 bones)
    14 bones forming the toes.
    Ulna
    Forearm bone on the pinky side.
    Sesamoid Bones
    e.g., patella, some found in hands/feet.
    Acromioclavicular Ligament
    Ligament that connects the acromion to the clavicle.
    Synchondroses
    Cartilaginous joints where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage.
    Brachioradialis
    Muscle responsible for forearm flexion.
    Flexor Tendons
    Tendons that help flex the fingers and toes.
    Latissimus Dorsi
    Back muscle responsible for arm adduction and extension.
    Zygomatic Bones
    Cheekbones that form part of the orbit.
    Extensor Tendons
    Tendons that help extend the fingers and toes.
    Scapula
    Shoulder blade providing attachment for muscles of the upper limb.
    Interspinous Ligament
    Spinal ligament between adjacent vertebral spinous processes.
    Palatine Bones
    Bones forming part of the hard palate and nasal cavity.
    Biceps Tendon
    Tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to the bone.
    Rotator Cuff Muscles
    Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Subscapularis.
    Adductors
    Muscles that bring the thighs toward the midline.
    Vomer Bone
    Bone forming the nasal septum.
    Frontal Bone
    Bone forming the forehead and upper part of the orbits.
    Ellipsoidal (Condyloid) Joints
    e.g., wrist
    Buccinator
    Muscle that helps with chewing and blowing air out.

    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? Your hand has 5 metacarpal bones.