Premaxillary is a word commonly used in anatomy to describe a bone found in many animals, including humans. It is pronounced as /pri-ˌmæksəˈlɛri/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "pre" means "before", while "maxillary" refers to the upper jaw bone. Thus, premaxillary refers to the bone located before the maxilla bone. This bone is present in many animals, including birds, mammals, and reptiles, and plays an important role in shaping the face and supporting teeth.
Premaxillary is an adjective used in anatomy to describe a specific anatomical structure or feature found in certain animals, especially mammals. It refers to the bone or cartilage that is located in the front part of the upper jaw, immediately anterior to the maxilla. In human anatomy, the premaxillary bone forms part of the hard palate and separates the oral and nasal cavities.
In animals, the premaxillary bone is usually small and easily distinguishable due to its placement at the tip of the snout. It plays a crucial role in the structure and function of the oral cavity, particularly in relation to feeding and dental anatomy. The premaxillary bone often houses the front teeth, usually consisting of the incisors or canines, and in many species it is the bone where the upper incisors or canine teeth are rooted.
Furthermore, the premaxillary bone can vary in shape and size among different species, contributing to the overall differentiation and identification of animals. It is of particular interest to paleontologists as it has been used to determine phylogenetic relationships, especially in vertebrate fossils, aiding in the classification and understanding of ancient lifeforms.
Overall, the term "premaxillary" is a crucial anatomical descriptor, highlighting the importance of this bone or cartilage in the upper jaw region of animals, including humans, and its implications within various biological and taxonomic contexts.
1. Anterior to the maxilla. 2. Noting the premaxilla.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
In anat., applied to a bone of the upper jaw, forming its margin, anterior to the true maxillary bone.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "premaxillary" is derived from Latin and Greek roots.
The prefix "pre-" comes from the Latin word "prae-" meaning "before" or "in front of".
The word "maxillary" comes from the Latin "maxilla", meaning "jawbone".
The suffix "-ary" is derived from the Latin "-arius", which forms adjectives meaning "pertaining to" or "related to".
Therefore, "premaxillary" refers to something that is "related to" or "in front of" the maxilla or jawbone. In anatomical terms, it specifically refers to the bone or bones in front of the maxilla, located in the upper jaw.