Maxilla Anatomy

Question 1

describe the lamina dura

Answer 1

the teeth sockets are bounded by a thin radiopaque layer of dense bone

Question 2

what is the alveolar crest

Answer 2

the gingival margin of the alveolar process between teeth - radiopaque lines

Question 3

the alveolar crests are seen as cortical borders of_____

Answer 3

alveolar bone

Question 4

what is the alveolar crest continuous with

Answer 4

the lamina dura

Question 5

describe the periodontal ligament space

Answer 5

appears as a radiolucent space between the tooth root and the lamina dura

Question 6

when would a double periodontal ligament space and lamina dura be seen

Answer 6

when there is a convexity of the proximal surface of the root resulting in two heights of contour

Question 7

where is the cancellous bone located

Answer 7

between cortical plates in both jaws

Question 8

what nerve is located in the pterygoid palatine fossa

Answer 8

V2

Question 9

where is the anteiror nasal spine

Answer 9

at or just below the junction of the inferior end of the nasal septum and the inferior outline of the nasal aperture

Question 10

describe the intermaxillary suture

Answer 10

• median suture
• extends from alveolar crest between #8 and #9 posteriorly to distal aspect of hard palate
• uniform width
• variable shape depending on angulation of central ray

Question 11

describe the nasopalatine canal

Answer 11

• transmits nasopalatine nerves and vessels
• terminates in incisive foramen
• entrance foramina: two usually round or oval foramina in the floor of the nasal cavity
• not always seen

Question 12

where does the superior foramina of the nasopalatine canal appear

Answer 12

lateral to the nasal septum and posterior to the anterior nasal spine

Question 13

where do the lateral walls of the nasopalatine canal extend from

Answer 13

the incisive formamen to the floor of the nasal fossa

Question 14

describe the incisive foramen

Answer 14

• the oral end of the nasopalatine canal
• variable size and shape
• variable position, due to x ray beam angulation

Question 15

where does the incisive foramen appear on a radiograph

Answer 15

an ovoid radiolucency between the roots of the central incisors

Question 16

describe the nasal cavity

Answer 16

• located above the oral cavity
• floor is seen as a thin radiopaque FLAT line

Question 17

what is the intersection of the floor of the nasal cavity and the maxillary sinus called

Answer 17

inverted Y

Question 18

where does the maxillary sinus start

Answer 18

at the level of the PM

Question 19

describe the maxillary sinus

Answer 19

• an air containing cavity lines with mucous membrane
• the borders appear in periapical radiographs as a thin and radiopaque line
• may have internal septa
• usually looks wavy

Question 20

describe the portion of the nose that can be seen in radiographs

Answer 20

the soft tissue of the tip of the nose can be seen in projections of the maxillary incisors, superimposed over the roots

Question 21

describe the lateral fossa

Answer 21

• a depression in the maxilla near the apex of the lateral incisor
• formed by a depression in the maxilla at this location
• located in between the lateral and the canine

Question 22

where is the nasolacrimal canal

Answer 22

runs from the orbit inferiorly to the nasal cavity

Question 23

when can nasolacrimal glands be seen in a radiograph

Answer 23

• on maxillary occlusal projections
• when steep vertical angulation is used

Question 24

describe the zygomatic process of the maxilla

Answer 24

• an extension of the lateral maxillary surface that articulates with the maxillary process of the zygoma

Question 25

describe the nasolabial foldd

Answer 25

• radiographically is an oblique line demarcating a region that appears to be covered by a veil of slight radiopacity
• frequently traverses periapical radiographs of the premolar region

Question 26

where are the pterygoid plates located

Answer 26

immediately posterior to the tuberosity of the maxilla

Question 27

where is the hamular process

Answer 27

extends inferiorly from the medial pterygoid plate