Maxillae
To read about other bones of the head and neck, use the links on the left-side of this page.
There are two maxillae (which is the plural form, the singular form being 'maxilla') in the head, one on each side of the face. The maxillae are therefore facial bones. They are more commonly known as the upper jaw bones.
Location:
The maxillae or upper jaw bones are located immediately above the cavity of the mouth, at the front of the face.
Structure and Function(s):
- The maxillae are the bones into which the upper teeth are embedded.
- The maxillae form the lower parts of the orbits, which are non-medically known as the "eye sockets".
- Each maxilla contains a maxillary sinus that drains fluid into the nasal cavity.
See notes about, and labelled diagrams of, all human cranial and facial bones on one page.
More about Bones and the Skeletal System:
This website includes many pages about bones and the skeletal system. The following pages may be of interest. These also link to further pages about related topics such as specific types of fractures, bone diseases and so on.
- Structures and Functions of Bones (an overview about the Skeletal System)
- Types of Bones, such as long bones, short bones, flat bones, etc.
- Bone Markings and Features on Bones of the Human Body
- Types of Joints, such as immoveable, slightly moveable and freely moveable joints
- Diagram of the Human Skeleton
- Overview of types of Conditions and Disorders of the Skeletal System
For further information see also our pages of books about orthopaedics.
