Maxillary hiatus

Maxillary Hiatus is a term used in anatomy to describe a specific opening or gap in the skull. It is located in the maxilla, one of the two upper bones of the skull that form the upper jaw and parts of the nasal cavity and eye socket.

Anatomy

The maxillary hiatus is a small opening located in the inferior orbital fissure, a gap in the eye socket that allows nerves and blood vessels to pass through. It is found in the posterior part of the maxilla, near the sphenoid bone. The maxillary hiatus is not always present in all individuals, and its size can vary.

Function

The maxillary hiatus allows for the passage of the infraorbital nerve, a branch of the maxillary nerve, which provides sensory innervation to the upper jaw, lower eyelid, side of the nose, and upper lip. It also allows for the passage of the infraorbital artery and infraorbital vein, which supply blood to the same areas.

Clinical Significance

The maxillary hiatus is of clinical significance in procedures such as maxillary sinus augmentation, a surgical procedure used to increase bone volume in the upper jaw for dental implant placement. Knowledge of the maxillary hiatus and its location can also be important in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as maxillary sinusitis, an inflammation of the maxillary sinuses that can cause pain and swelling in the upper jaw.

See Also

• Maxilla
• Inferior orbital fissure
• Infraorbital nerve
• Maxillary nerve
• Maxillary sinus augmentation