Dentalwiki: Created page with "{{Infobox anatomy | Name = Maxilla | Latin = Maxilla | Image = | Caption = Lateral view of the maxilla showing the alveolar process and maxillary sinus area. | System = Skeletal system | Articulation = Frontal bone, Ethmoid bone, Nasal bone, Zygomatic bone, Palatine bone, Vomer }} ==Definition== The '''maxilla''' (plural: '''maxillae''') is a vital viscerocranium bone that forms the upper jaw. It holds the up..."

2026-03-20T02:32:25Z

Created page with "{{Infobox anatomy | Name = Maxilla | Latin = Maxilla | Image = | Caption = Lateral view of the maxilla showing the alveolar process and maxillary sinus area. | System = Skeletal system | Articulation = Frontal bone, Ethmoid bone, Nasal bone, Zygomatic bone, Palatine bone, Vomer }} ==Definition== The '''maxilla''' (plural: '''maxillae''') is a vital viscerocranium bone that forms the upper jaw. It holds the up..."

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{{Infobox anatomy
| Name = Maxilla
| Latin = Maxilla
| Image =
| Caption = Lateral view of the maxilla showing the alveolar process and maxillary sinus area.
| System = [[Skeletal system]]
| Articulation = [[Frontal bone]], [[Ethmoid bone]], [[Nasal bone]], [[Zygomatic bone]], [[Palatine bone]], [[Vomer]]
}}

==Definition==
The '''maxilla''' (plural: '''maxillae''') is a vital viscerocranium bone that forms the upper jaw. It holds the upper [[teeth]], forms the boundaries of three cavities (the roof of the [[oral cavity]], the floor and lateral wall of the [[nasal cavity]], and the floor of the [[orbit]]), and contains the largest of the paranasal sinuses.

The two maxillae fuse at the **intermaxillary suture** during embryonic development to form the upper jaw skeleton.

==Anatomical Parts==
The maxilla consists of a central body and four projections known as processes:

===1. The Body of the Maxilla===
The pyramid-shaped central portion containing the '''[[maxillary sinus]]''' (Antrum of Highmore).
* '''Infraorbital foramen''': Located on the anterior surface, transmitting the infraorbital nerve and vessels.
* '''Maxillary tuberosity''': A rounded eminence on the posterior surface, located distally to the third molar; an important landmark for [[local anesthesia]] (PSA nerve block).

===2. The Four Processes===
* '''[[Alveolar process]]''': The thickest part of the bone, containing the dental sockets ([[dental alveoli]]) for the maxillary teeth.
* '''[[Zygomatic process]]''': Points laterally to articulate with the [[zygomatic bone]] (cheekbone).
* '''[[Frontal process]]''': Extends upward to articulate with the [[frontal bone]], forming part of the lateral boundary of the nose.
* '''[[Palatine process]]''': A horizontal projection that forms the anterior three-quarters of the [[hard palate]].

==Clinical Significance==
The maxilla is of paramount importance in several dental specialties:

===Sinus Proximity===
The roots of the maxillary [[molars]] and [[premolars]] are often in close proximity to the floor of the '''[[maxillary sinus]]'''.
* '''[[Oroantral communication]]''': A potential complication after extraction where a hole is created between the mouth and the sinus.
* '''[[Sinus lift]]''': A surgical procedure to increase bone volume in the posterior maxilla for [[dental implant]] placement.

===Le Fort Fractures===
In oral and maxillofacial surgery, the maxilla is the site of classic "Le Fort" midface fractures:
* '''Le Fort I''': Horizontal fracture above the alveolar process (floating palate).
* '''Le Fort II''': Pyramidal fracture involving the nasal bones and orbital floor.
* '''Le Fort III''': Complete craniofacial dysjunction.

===Orthodontics===
The maxilla can be expanded using a '''[[Rapid Palatal Expander]] (RPE)''' by opening the mid-palatal suture, typically in growing patients.

==See Also==
* [[Mandible]]
* [[Hard palate]]
* [[Maxillary sinus]]
* [[Osteology]]

[[Category:Anatomy]]
[[Category:Oral Surgery]]
[[Category:Osteology]]

Maxilla - Revision history