Bone
Maxilla
Upper-jaw framework for teeth, palate and orbit
High-yield
The infraorbital nerve is a branch of V2 and emerges onto the face through the infraorbital foramen. The maxillary sinus is usually the largest paranasal sinus.
Overview
The right and left maxillae support the upper teeth and form much of the central face. Each contributes to the orbital floor, nasal cavity and hard palate, with a large maxillary sinus inside its body.
Reference facts
- Bone type
- Irregular facial bone
- Key landmarks
- Body containing the maxillary sinus; frontal, zygomatic, alveolar and palatine processes; infraorbital foramen and incisive fossa
- Articulations
- Frontal, nasal, zygomatic, lacrimal, ethmoid, palatine, vomer and inferior nasal concha bones, and the opposite maxilla
Clinical correlation
The Le Fort classification describes major midface fracture patterns: I separates the tooth-bearing upper jaw, II follows a pyramidal pattern, and III separates the midface from the cranial base. Real injuries can combine patterns or be asymmetric.
Frequently asked questions
What type of bone is the maxilla?
The maxilla is an irregular facial bone bone.
What does the maxilla articulate with?
The maxilla articulates with the frontal, nasal, zygomatic, lacrimal, ethmoid, palatine, vomer and inferior nasal concha bones, and the opposite maxilla.
What are the key landmarks of the maxilla?
Body containing the maxillary sinus; frontal, zygomatic, alveolar and palatine processes; infraorbital foramen and incisive fossa.