Överkäkbenet

Överkäkbenet, also known as the maxilla, is a paired bone that fuses in the midline during development to form the upper jaw. It is a significant component of the facial skeleton, contributing to the formation of the orbits, nasal cavity, and oral cavity. Each maxilla articulates with numerous other bones, including the frontal bone, ethmoid bone, inferior concha, lacrimal bone, zygomatic bone, palatine bone, vomer, and the contralateral maxilla.

The maxilla has several important parts, including the body, alveolar process, palatine process, zygomatic process, and orbital process. The body houses the maxillary sinus, a large air-filled cavity that plays a role in voice resonance and reducing skull weight. The alveolar process is the thickened ridge of bone that contains the sockets for the upper teeth. The palatine process forms the anterior two-thirds of the hard palate, separating the nasal cavity from the oral cavity. The zygomatic process articulates with the zygomatic bone (cheekbone), and the orbital process contributes to the floor of the orbit.

The maxilla is crucial for mastication, speech, and facial structure. It develops through intramembranous ossification and is susceptible to fractures due to its prominent position in the face.