maxillary

Maxillary is an anatomical term relating to the maxilla, the paired upper jaw bone. In humans, the maxilla forms the central portion of the face, supports the upper dentition, and contributes to the floors of the orbit, the sides of the nasal cavity, and the hard palate.

Anatomy and structure: The maxilla consists of a body and several processes. Its frontal (orbital) process articulates with the frontal bone, the zygomatic process with the zygomatic bone, and the palatine process forms the anterior two‑thirds of the hard palate. The alveolar process bears the upper teeth. The maxilla houses the maxillary sinus, a pyramidal air space within the body that communicates with the nasal cavity. The infraorbital foramen transmits the infraorbital nerve and vessels. The maxilla also participates in forming the orbital floor and the lateral wall of the nose, and it articulates with the opposite maxilla at the intermaxillary suture.

Function and relationships: The maxilla provides dental support for the upper dentition and serves as an anchoring structure for facial muscles. Its sinus helps to humidify and lighten the skull and influences voice resonance. The bone interacts with several neighboring bones and structures, including the frontal, zygomatic, lacrimal, and palatine bones, as well as the nasal cavity and orbit.

Clinical relevance: Pathologies involving the maxilla include dental diseases affecting the upper teeth, maxillary sinusitis, and fractures of the midface (often involving the zygomaticomaxillary complex). The maxilla is supplied by branches of the maxillary artery and innervated primarily by the maxillary (V2) division of the trigeminal nerve, with the infraorbital nerve supplying the midface region. In clinical contexts, “maxillary” denotes relations to the maxilla or its regions, such as the maxillary dentition or maxillary sinus.