Maxilla

The maxilla, present as a pair known as maxillae, are two substantial bones within the architecture of our facial skeleton, uniting to form the entirety of the upper jaw. Each maxilla is instrumental in sculpting three pivotal spaces within our head: they contribute to the roof of the oral cavity, fashion the floor and lateral walls of the nasal cavity, and create the floor of the orbits. Moreover, they are foundational in the formation of two noteworthy areas or fossae—the infratemporal fossa and the pterygopalatine fossa—and two narrow passageways, or fissures, namely the inferior orbital fissure and the pterygomaxillary fissure.

Each maxilla is sculpted in the shape of a pyramid, featuring a core segment known as the body of the maxilla, from which four distinct processes extend out to connect with neighboring facial structures. These are:

• The zygomatic process, which molds the cheek region. This process engages with the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, collaborating to form the zygomatic arch at the side of the head.

• The frontal process, which ascends towards the forehead, making a connection with the frontal bone.

• The alveolar process, which contains the sockets for our upper teeth.

• The palatine process, contributing to the front portion of the roof of the oral cavity.

Together, these extensions not only secure the maxilla's integration within the facial skeleton but also contribute to the overall morphology and functional harmony of our facial features.