TUBEROSITAS MAXILLAE Meaning and
Definition
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Tuberositas maxillae refers to a bony protuberance found on the maxilla, which is the upper jawbone in humans. The term combines the Latin words "tuberositas," meaning prominence or swelling, and "maxillae," referring to the upper jawbone. This anatomical feature is more commonly known as the maxillary tuberosity.
The tuberositas maxillae is located posteriorly at the back of the maxilla, towards the area where the molar teeth are situated. It can be felt with the tongue or by applying gentle pressure with the fingers along the upper dental ridge. Generally, it appears as a rounded, slightly raised region of bone covered by a dense layer of oral mucosa.
This protuberance serves several important functions. Firstly, it acts as an attachment site for the muscles of the palate, helping with the movement and control of the soft tissues in this region. Additionally, the tuberositas maxillae plays a crucial role in providing support and stability for removable dentures, as it facilitates their retention and stability during functions such as chewing and speaking.
In some cases, the tuberositas maxillae can undergo pathological changes or anomalies. For instance, excessive growth or hypertrophy can cause discomfort, impacting functioning and making it difficult for patients to adapt to denture use. Conversely, if the tuberosity is underdeveloped or absent, dentures may be more prone to displacement or instability.
Overall, the tuberositas maxillae is an important anatomical structure involved in functions related to oral motor control and dental prosthetics.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TUBEROSITAS MAXILLAE
Etymology of TUBEROSITAS MAXILLAE
The term "tuberositas maxillae" is a medical term composed of two Latin words: "tuberositas" and "maxillae".
1. Tuberositas: In Latin, "tuberositas" is derived from the word "tuberosus", meaning "knobby" or "bulging". It is associated with the noun "tuberculum", which means "a small swelling" or "a tubercle". "Tuberositas" refers to a prominence or protuberance on a bone or other structure.
2. Maxillae: The Latin word "maxilla" is derived from "mala", which means "jaw" or "cheek". It refers to the upper jawbone in humans and other animals.
When combined, "tuberositas maxillae" refers to a prominent or bulbous structure located on the upper jawbone.
