Frontal Aspect of the Maxillae

Anatomical landmarks and surface features on the anterior aspect of the articulated human maxillae.

• Frontal Process: Upward projection articulating with the frontal bone and forming the medial border of the orbit.
• Zygomatic Process: Lateral pyramidal projection that articulates with the zygomatic bone.
• Alveolar Process: Curved inferior ridge containing the tooth sockets for the upper dentition.
• Infraorbital Foramen: Opening below the orbital margin transmitting the infraorbital nerve and blood vessels.
• Infraorbital Margin: Lower bony rim of the eye orbit formed by the maxilla and zygomatic bone.
• Anterior Nasal Spine: Sharp median projection at the inferior margin of the piriform aperture.
• Nasal Notch: Deep concave margin that bounds the bony nasal aperture laterally and inferiorly.
• Canine Eminence: Prominent vertical ridge on the facial surface overlying the socket of the canine tooth.
• Canine Fossa: Depression on the anterior surface lateral to the canine eminence and below the infraorbital foramen.
• Incisive Fossa: Shallow depression on the anterior surface medial to the canine eminence, above the incisor teeth.
• Intermaxillary Suture: Median articulation joint joining the left and right maxillae.