Maxilla (Noun)
Meaning
The jaw in vertebrates that is fused to the cranium.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The maxilla forms the upper jawbone in humans and other vertebrates, playing a crucial role in the structure of the face.
- In mammals, the maxilla is fused to the cranium, forming a fixed upper jaw that is distinct from the lower jawbone or mandible.
- The maxilla is a vital component of the skull, providing attachment points for muscles that control facial expressions and jaw movements.
- During embryonic development, the maxilla forms from a pair of bone plates that eventually fuse together to create the upper jawbone.
- In some vertebrates, such as birds and reptiles, the maxilla is a separate bone that is not fused to the cranium, allowing for greater flexibility in the jaw.