Canine fossa

Fossa canina

Definition

Muhammad A. Javaid

The canine fossa is a bony depression found on the anterior surface of body of maxilla, situated just lateral to the canine eminence. The canine eminence itself is a noticeable vertical ridge that indicates where the canine tooth’s socket is located beneath the surface. Positioned right below the infraorbital foramen, the canine fossa serves as the starting point for the fibers of the levator anguli oris muscle, also known as the caninus muscle. This particular muscle plays a vital role in lifting the corners of the mouth, which is key to our ability to convey emotions through facial expressions.

References

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  • Standring, S. (2016). ‘Chapter 30: Face and scalp’ in Gray’s anatomy: the anatomical basis of clinical practice. (41st ed.) New York NY: Elsevier, pp. 484-486.

  • Soriano RM, Das JM. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Maxilla. [Updated 2022 Sep 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538527/

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