can you be mine? | #lookism #bp #maxilla #looksmaxing Maxilla Bone – Detailed Anatomical Description Overview: The maxilla (plural: maxillae) is a paired bone of the facial skeleton that forms a central component of the midface. It plays a crucial role in forming the upper jaw, orbit, nasal cavity, and hard palate. The two maxillae articulate at the midline via the intermaxillary suture, fusing early in life. ⸻ Location and Articulation: The maxilla is located centrally in the face and articulates with nine bones: 1. Frontal bone 2. Ethmoid bone 3. Nasal bone 4. Zygomatic bone 5. Lacrimal bone 6. Inferior nasal concha 7. Palatine bone 8. Vomer 9. Contralateral maxilla ⸻ Parts of the Maxilla: Each maxilla consists of a body and four processes. ⸻ 1. Body of the Maxilla: • Shape: Roughly pyramidal. • Surfaces: • Anterior (facial) surface: Forms the upper cheek; features the infraorbital foramen (transmits infraorbital nerve and vessels). • Orbital surface: Forms the floor of the orbit. • Nasal surface: Contributes to the lateral wall of the nasal cavity. • Infratemporal (posterior) surface: Faces the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossae and contains the posterior superior alveolar foramina. • Maxillary sinus: • A large air-filled cavity within the body. • The largest of the paranasal sinuses. • Communicates with the nasal cavity via the middle meatus. • Lined by respiratory epithelium. ⸻ 2. Processes of the Maxilla: a. Frontal Process: • Projects superiorly. • Articulates with the frontal bone. • Contributes to the medial wall of the orbit and lateral boundary of the nasal cavity. b. Zygomatic Process: • Projects laterally. • Articulates with the zygomatic bone, contributing to the zygomatic arch. c. Alveolar Process: • Contains sockets (alveoli) for the upper teeth. • Resorption of this process occurs with tooth loss (especially in elderly individuals). d. Palatine Process: • Extends medially and fuses with the opposite maxilla to form the anterior three-quarters of the hard palate. • Features the incisive canal and incisive foramen (transmits nasopalatine nerves and vessels). ⸻ Important Foramina and Canals: • Infraorbital foramen: For infraorbital nerve (branch of maxillary nerve - CN V2). • Posterior superior alveolar foramina: For posterior superior alveolar nerves and vessels. • Incisive foramen: Behind the incisor teeth on the hard palate. • Canalis sinuosus: A small canal for the anterior superior alveolar nerve. ⸻ Clinical Significance: • Maxillary fractures: Common in facial trauma (e.g., Le Fort fractures). • Maxillary sinusitis: Infection or inflammation of the maxillary sinus; often caused by dental issues or upper respiratory tract infections. • Dental relevance: The proximity of the maxillary sinus to the roots of the posterior maxillary teeth is important in oral surgery and endodontics. • Cleft palate: Results from failure of the palatine processes to fuse during embryogenesis. ⸻ Embryology: • Derived from the first pharyngeal arch. • Ossification is primarily intramembranous, beginning around the 6th week of fetal development. ⸻ Summary: The maxilla is a critical facial bone involved in: • Supporting the upper teeth, • Forming the orbit and nasal cavity, • Housing the maxillary sinus, • Contributing to the hard palate. Its anatomical complexity and central location make it significant in both functional and aesthetic aspects of craniofacial anatomy. ⸻ Let me know if you’d like a labeled diagram or a simplified version for study purposes! - @nicole.ltb