Upper jawbone

Upper Jawbone

The Upper Jawbone, also known as the Maxilla, is a vital bone structure in the human skull. It forms the upper jaw and holds the upper teeth, playing a crucial role in the oral cavity and facial structure.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The upper jawbone is a paired structure with two maxillae forming the upper jaw. Each maxilla connects to the other at the intermaxillary suture, located at the midline of the face. The maxillae are the second largest bones of the facial skeleton, only surpassed by the mandible or lower jawbone.

Each maxilla consists of a body and four processes: the zygomatic process, the frontal process, the alveolar process, and the palatine process. These processes are responsible for the formation of the roof of the mouth, the floors of the orbits, and the sides and floor of the nasal cavity.

Functions[edit | edit source]

The upper jawbone serves several functions. It houses the upper teeth, forming the dental arch. It also forms part of the orbit of the eye, the nasal cavity, and the hard palate. The maxilla assists in the formation of the facial skeleton, supports the face, and provides a structure for muscle attachment.

The upper jawbone also plays a role in the process of respiration and speech production. It forms the floor of the nasal cavity, which is crucial for the passage of air. The hard palate, formed by the palatine process of the maxilla, is essential for speech as it separates the oral and nasal cavities.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Conditions affecting the upper jawbone include Maxillary Sinusitis, Maxillary Fractures, and Cleft Palate. These conditions can impact breathing, speech, and facial appearance, and may require medical intervention.

Maxillary Sinusitis is an inflammation of the maxillary sinuses, which are located within the upper jawbone. Maxillary Fractures are breaks in the maxilla, often resulting from trauma to the face. Cleft Palate is a birth defect where the palatine processes of the maxilla do not fuse properly, leaving an opening in the roof of the mouth.