The maxilla, also known as the upper jaw, is a crucial bone in the face. It plays a vital role in shaping the face, supporting the teeth, and facilitating chewing and facial expressions.
Here's a breakdown of its key features:
- Location: The maxilla forms the upper part of the jaw, the roof of the mouth, and portions of the eye socket and nose.
- Structure: The maxilla is comprised of two irregularly shaped bones that fuse together during development.
- Function:
- Tooth Support: It holds the upper teeth firmly in place.
- Facial Structure: It provides structural support to the midface.
- Chewing: The maxilla supports muscles involved in chewing.
- Facial Expressions: It contributes to the movement and expressions of the face.
Interesting Facts:
- Maxilla fractures are common injuries resulting from high-energy trauma, such as car accidents.
- Hyperplasia of the maxilla is a condition where the maxilla abnormally grows larger than the mandible, affecting alignment of the teeth.
References:
- Maxilla - Wikipedia
- Anatomy, Head and Neck, Maxilla - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
- Definition of maxilla - NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms - NCI
- Maxilla Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
- Maxilla: Bone Anatomy, Function, and Surgery Procedures
- Maxillary and Le Fort Fractures: Practice Essentials, Epidemiology ...
- Maxilla: Anatomy, function and clinical notes | Kenhub
- Facial Bone Anatomy: Overview, Mandible, Maxilla
- Maxilla | Radiology Reference Article | Radiopaedia.org
- Hyperplasia of the maxilla (Concept Id: C2227090)
