MAXILLA Meaning and
Definition
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The term "maxilla" refers to a bone that is found in vertebrates, including humans, and is an integral component of the skull's facial skeleton. It serves as an upper jawbone and, in humans, is a paired bone that contributes to the facial structure. Located above the mandible (or lower jawbone), the maxilla constitutes a major part of the facial profile and is responsible for providing support to the teeth, as well as forming the upper boundary of the mouth and nasal cavity.
The maxilla is a robust bone comprised of a body and several processes. The body forms the central part of the upper jaw and contains the maxillary sinuses, which are air-filled cavities. The processes of the maxilla include the frontal, zygomatic, alveolar, palatine, and nasal processes.
The frontal process extends upwards to connect with the frontal bone, while the zygomatic process articulates with the zygomatic bone to provide support to the cheek. The alveolar process is responsible for attaching the upper teeth, while the palatine process forms the hard palate, thus contributing to the roof of the mouth. Lastly, the nasal process participates in the formation of the inferior nasal region and the medial wall of the orbit.
Overall, the maxilla plays a crucial role in the structural integrity of the face and the proper functioning of the oral and nasal cavities.
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Superior maxilla, superior maxillary bone, supramaxilla, upper jawbone; an irregularly shaped bone, articulating with all the bones of the face, the ethmoid, inferior turbinated, and sometimes the sphenoid bones, and forming with its fellow the upper jaw.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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The upper jaw; a jaw-bone; among articulate animals, the lower pair of horizontal jaws.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MAXILLA
Etymology of MAXILLA
The word "maxilla" comes from the Latin term "maxilla" which means "jaw" or "jawbone". It is derived from the word "mala" meaning "cheek" or "jaw". In turn, "mala" is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *mei- meaning "to smile" or "to laugh", possibly due to the association of the jaw movement with facial expressions.
Similar spelling words for MAXILLA
- Maselli,
- mazzola,
- masiello,
- Makela,
- Maciel,
- mazzella,
- maxwell,
- mackall,
- macula,
- magill,
- macaulay,
- maisel,
- maskell.
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