View source for Frontal process of maxilla

{{Short description|Plate which forms part of the lateral boundary of the nose}}
{{Infobox bone
| Name        = Frontal process of maxilla
| Latin       = processus frontalis maxillae
| Image       = Gray852.png
| Caption     = Cartilages of the nose. Side view. (Frontal process of maxilla visible at center.)
| Image2      = Gray154.png
| Caption2    = Articulation of nasal and lacrimal bones with maxilla. (Frontal process visible at top center.)
}}
The '''frontal process of the maxilla''' is a strong plate, which projects upward, medialward, and backward from the [[maxilla]], forming part of the lateral boundary of the [[human nose|nose]].

Its ''lateral surface'' is smooth, continuous with the anterior surface of the body, and gives attachment to the [[quadratus labii superioris]], the [[orbicularis oculi]], and the [[medial palpebral ligament]].

Its ''medial surface'' forms part of the lateral wall of the [[nasal cavity]]; at its upper part is a rough, uneven area, which articulates with the ethmoid, closing in the [[anterior ethmoidal cells]]; below this is an oblique ridge, the [[ethmoidal crest]], the posterior end of which articulates with the [[middle nasal concha]], while the anterior part is termed the [[agger nasi]]; the crest forms the upper limit of the atrium of the [[middle meatus]].

The ''upper border'' articulates with the [[frontal bone]] and the ''anterior'' with the nasal; the ''posterior border'' is thick, and hollowed into a groove, which is continuous below with the lacrimal groove on the nasal surface of the body: by the articulation of the medial margin of the groove with the anterior border of the lacrimal a corresponding groove on the lacrimal is brought into continuity, and together they form the [[fossa for lacrimal sac|lacrimal fossa]] for the lodgement of the [[lacrimal sac]].

The lateral margin of the groove is named the [[anterior lacrimal crest]], and is continuous below with the orbital margin; at its junction with the orbital surface is a small tubercle, the [[lacrimal tubercle]], which serves as a guide to the position of the lacrimal sac.

==Additional images==
<gallery>
 File:Frontal process of maxilla - animation01.gif|Frontal process shown in red. Animation.
 File:Frontal process of maxilla - animation02.gif|Left and right frontal process of maxilla, and upper teeth. Animation.
 File:Gray167.png|Articulation of left palatine bone with maxilla.
 File:Gray190.png|The skull from the front.
 File:Gray194.png|Sagittal section of skull.
 File:Gray196.png|Roof, floor, and lateral wall of left nasal cavity.
 File:Slide8hhhh.JPG|Frontal process of maxilla 
File:Slide11hhhh.JPG|Frontal process of maxilla 
</gallery>

==External links==
{{Commons category|Frontal process of maxilla}}
* {{SUNYAnatomyLabs|22|os|19|03}} - "Osteology of the Skull: The Maxilla"
* {{cite web|url=http://www.tk.de/rochelexikon/pics/s34256.000-1.html|title=Anatomy diagram: 34256.000-1|work= Roche Lexicon - illustrated navigator|publisher= Elsevier|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227145535/http://www.tk.de/rochelexikon/pics/s34256.000-1.html|archivedate=2012-12-27}}

{{Facial bones}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Bones of the head and neck]]