Maxilla

The bone that forms the upper jaw and holds the upper teeth, contributing to the structure of the face.

The maxilla is a paired bone that forms the upper jaw in humans. It plays an essential role in the development of the face and oral cavity, providing support for the upper teeth. The maxilla also forms part of the orbit, zygomatic arch, and nasal cavity, contributing to both aesthetic and functional aspects of the skull.

Terminologia Anatomica

maxilla

System

Skeletal system

Function

The primary function of the maxilla is to support the upper teeth, aiding in the chewing process by providing a stable foundation for dental structures. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in forming the roof of the mouth (hard palate), which separates the oral cavity from the nasal passages. This separation is vital for proper speech and swallowing functions. The maxilla also assists in the articulation of sounds in speech, as it aids in the formation of certain phonetic sounds through the movement of the tongue against it. Furthermore, the sinuses located within the maxilla help to reduce the weight of the skull and contribute to resonation during speech.

Location

The maxilla is situated centrally in the facial skeleton, forming the upper jaw. It lies below the nasal cavity and above the upper teeth. The maxilla meets with several other bones, including the nasal bones at the midline, the zygomatic bones laterally (forming the cheek area), and the palatine bones posteriorly. The processes of the maxilla extend outwards to articulate with these neighboring bones and contribute to the structure and contour of the face. Its position is significant for the alignment and function of the teeth, the airway, and for general aesthetics.

Did You Know?

The maxilla contributes to the orbits, where the eyes are housed, providing a bony support structure.
The maxilla contains the maxillary sinuses, the largest of the paranasal sinuses, which help in humidifying and filtering air inhaled through the nose.
The maxilla can be affected by conditions such as cleft palate, which occurs when the maxilla does not fuse properly during development.