The |maxilla| is one of the primary facial bones and defines much of the face below the |orbits| and above the jawbone. The |maxilla| (with the ethmoid, frontal, and zygomatic bones) forms much of the lateral walls of the |nasal cavity|, the orbital cavity, and part of the cheek. The |maxilla| also mounts the top row of |teeth| in a non-movable foundation, so that chewing is enabled by moving the mandibular |teeth| against them. The outer wings of the |maxilla|, where it meets the malar, or zygomatic bones, are called the zygomatic ~processes~. The upper part of the |maxilla|, which forms the lower, inner surface of the |orbit| cavity, is called the orbital surface of the |maxilla|, while the exterior surface, just between the |orbit| and the |nasal cavity|, is called the frontal ~process~ of the |maxilla|. The roof of the |mouth| is formed by the |palatine bone|, which is attached to the |maxilla| just behind the |teeth|.
