THE SUPERIOR MAXILLARY BONE. 43 



That portion of the inner surface below the inferior tur- 

 binated crest assists in forming the inferior meatus of 

 the nose. Below the palatine process the bone is rough 

 and uneven, and, extending horizontally backward from 

 the posterior edge of the palate process, is a roughened 

 ridge for articulation with the angle of junction of the 

 vertical and horizontal portions of the palate bone. 



The anterior surface of the superior maxillary looks 

 forward, outward, and slightly downward. Just below 

 the orbital ridge is the infra-orbital foramen, through 

 which the second division of the fifth nerve emerges 

 upon the face. This foramen is slightly oval, its ante- 

 rior or upper margin forming a lip or ridge, which over- 

 hangs the foramen, and which becomes lost upon each 

 side of it. The bone just below is grooved. The infra- 

 orbital foramen is commonly on a line with the second 

 bicuspid tooth. Below and somewhat posterior to the 

 infra-orbital foramen is a triangular, shallow depression, 

 the canine fossa ; it forms the anterior wall of the antrum, 

 and is quite translucent. It gives origin to the levator 

 anguli oris muscle. In front of this is a vertical eleva- 

 tion, the canine eminence, which marks the position of 

 the root of the canine tooth. Anterior to the canine 

 eminence is the incisive fossa, a depression above the 

 lateral incisor tooth ; it gives origin to muscles. The 

 inner border of the anterior surface, above the palatine 

 process, presents a large, semi-heart-shaped notch, the 

 opening of the nose anteriorly. This notch begins at 

 the nasal process ; its border is smooth ; it curves down- 

 ward, outward, and then horizontally forward, terminat- 

 ing in a sharp-pointed process, which, when articulated 

 with its fellow, forms the anterior nasal spine. The 

 nasal process is a triangular plate of bone, which projects 

 upward and forward. Its anterior border articulates 



