The maxilla is a key structure in the human skull, playing an important role not only in appearance but also in physiological function. This fixed bone is responsible for forming the upper part of the mouth and influencing the overall facial shape. With the advancement of medicine, we have a deeper understanding of the structure and function of the maxillary bone, but its mystery still attracts the attention of scientists.
The maxilla is composed of two maxillary bones, which are tightly connected by the intermaxillary suture. Its structure can be briefly summarized as:
The main part of the maxilla is conical and contains the orbital, nasal, mandibular and facial surfaces and contains the maxillary sinuses.
The maxilla has several important surfaces, including:
In addition, it has four protrusions, namely:
One of the main functions of the maxilla is to support the upper row of teeth, called the maxillary arch. It connects to the cheekbones and helps form the roof of the mouth, the floor and sides of the nasal cavity, and the walls of the eye sockets. The perfect coordination of this structure not only affects the chewing function, but is also directly related to the beauty of the face.
Development of the maxilla begins during pregnancy, usually arising from two distinct centers, and continues until nearly adulthood. As we age, the shape and size of our maxilla change significantly, affecting bone health and tooth alignment.
Clinical significanceFrom birth to adulthood, the transverse and anteroposterior diameters of the maxilla increase in comparison to its vertical height, reflecting the development of the alveolar processes and the growth of the maxillary sinuses.
A fracture of the maxilla is a form of facial fracture usually caused by external trauma, often in accidents or violent incidents. Medically, these fractures are often classified according to the Le Fort classification to help develop appropriate treatment plans.
Besides humans, the maxilla behaves differently in other animals. In some fish, the upper jaw is called the "upper maxilla", while in birds it is more often called the "upper mandible", reflecting the diversity of organisms and their evolution. course.
The maxillary bone is not only the cornerstone of facial appearance, but also plays an indispensable role in various physiological functions. As science and technology advance by leaps and bounds, our understanding of this structure continues to deepen. Perhaps this prompts us to rethink: What invisible connections exist between facial beauty and health?