Premaxilla

Premaxilla

The premaxilla (or intermaxillary) is a pair of small cranial bones at the very tip of the jaws of many animals, usually bearing teeth, but not always. In humans, they are fused with the maxilla and usually termed as the incisive bone. Other terms for this bone include premaxillary bone or os premaxillare, and the term premaxilla is used when the bone is in its natural position.

Etymology

The term "premaxilla" is derived from the Latin words "pre", meaning "before", and "maxilla", meaning "jaw". The term "intermaxillary" is derived from the Latin words "inter", meaning "between", and "maxilla", meaning "jaw".

Anatomy

In most vertebrates, the premaxilla is found at the front of the skull, just above the mandible (lower jaw). It is one of the first bones to form in the skull and is crucial for the proper formation of the face and the alignment of the teeth. In mammals, the premaxilla usually bears the incisor teeth.

In different animals

In fish, the premaxilla is a mobile bone involved in capturing prey. In birds, it forms the majority of the upper bill. In reptiles and amphibians, it bears teeth and is often larger than the maxilla. In mammals, it forms the anterior part of the hard palate, just behind the incisor teeth.

Clinical significance

In humans, the premaxilla is often involved in cleft lip and palate, a common congenital disorder. This condition can lead to difficulties in feeding, speech, and can have a detrimental effect on social and psychological development.

See also

• Maxilla
• Mandible
• Cleft lip and palate

References

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• Premaxilla of Spinosaurus

• Premaxilla illustration from Gray's Anatomy

• Premaxilla bone structure from Gray's Anatomy