Which bone forms the upper jaw?

Which bone forms the upper jaw?

• A. Maxillae
• B. Mandible
• C. Nasal
• D. Frontal

Answer: (A)

The upper jaw is formed by the maxillae, two bones that fuse at the midline. These bones carry the upper teeth, form most of the hard palate (the roof of the mouth), and contribute to the floor of the orbits and the side walls of the nasal cavity. They also house the maxillary sinuses. The other bones listed don’t form the upper jaw: the mandible forms the lower jaw; the nasal bones form the bridge of the nose; and the frontal bone forms the forehead and part of the eye sockets. So the maxillae is the bone that forms the upper jaw.

The upper jaw is formed by the maxillae, two bones that fuse at the midline. These bones carry the upper teeth, form most of the hard palate (the roof of the mouth), and contribute to the floor of the orbits and the side walls of the nasal cavity. They also house the maxillary sinuses. The other bones listed don’t form the upper jaw: the mandible forms the lower jaw; the nasal bones form the bridge of the nose; and the frontal bone forms the forehead and part of the eye sockets. So the maxillae is the bone that forms the upper jaw.