Body of maxilla

The body of maxilla is the central core portion of the maxilla. It is shaped like a pyramid, with its base pointing medially towards the nose, and the apex pointing laterally towards the zygomatic process. Inside the body of maxilla is a big air space known as the maxillary air sinus. The body gives rise to four distinct processes connecting to other parts of the facial skeleton. These are known as the zygomatic (connected to the cheek bone), frontal (connecting to the forehead), alveolar (related to the upper jaw), and palatine (related to the palate) processes.

Additionally, the body of maxilla has four main surfaces:

• The anterior or facial surface, which is the front part.

• The posterior or infratemporal surface. This forms the anterior wall of the infratemporal fossa, an area beneath the temple.

• The superior or orbital surface, making up most of floor of the orbit.

• The medial or nasal surface, which is part of the lateral wall of nasal cavity.