Maxilla

In simple terms the maxilla is the bone in which your top teeth are attached to. The maxilla is a fusion of two bones along the palatal fissure that form the upper jaw.

Functions of the Maxilla

The function of the maxilla is basically to hold the upper teeth. This is through the alveolar process. The alveolar process is the thickened ridge of bone that contains the tooth sockets on bones that bear teeth. It is also referred to as the alveolar bone.

The maxilla assists in forming the boundaries of three cavities:

• The roof of the mouth,
• The floor and the lateral wall of the nasal antrum, and
• The floor of the orbit.

The maxilla also functions as the entry into the formation of two fossae: the intratemporal and the pterygopalatine, and two fissures: the inferior orbital and the pterygomaxillary

Anatomy of the Maxilla

The maxilla contains five main sections:

• The body of the maxilla,
• The four process,
• The infraorbital foramen, and
• The maxillary sinus

The body of the maxilla is somewhat pyramidal in shape, and contains a large cavity, the maxillary sinus.

The four processes are

• The zygomatic process - This is a rough triangular eminence, situated at the angle of separation of the anterior, zygomatic and orbital surfaces,
• The frontal process of the maxilla - This is a strong plate that projects upward, medial ward and backward, by the side of the nose,
• The alveolar process - Contains the tooth sockets on the bones that bear teeth, and
• The palatine process - This forms a considerable part of the floor of the nose and the roof of the mouth.

The infraorbital foramen is the end of the infraorbital canal; it transmits the infraorbital artery, vein, and infraorbital nerve.

The maxillary sinus has three recesses: an alveolar recess pointed inferiorly, bounded by the alveolar process of the maxilla; a zygomatic recess pointed laterally, bounded by the zygomatic bone; and an infraorbital recess pointed superiorly, bounded by the inferior orbital surface of the maxilla.

Conditions that can affect the Maxilla

The maxilla being a bone can also be affected by other bone related conditions. However, the following are more specific to the maxilla:

• Pharyngomaxillary Space Abscess - a collection of pus in the pharynx and maxilla region,
• Maxillary Sinus, and
• Fibrous Dysplasia Of Bone

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