THE SUPERIOR MAXILLARY BONE. 



45 



edentulous subjects. As it serves for the secure accom- 

 modation of the teeth, it is best seen in perfect dentures. 

 The alveolar process consists largely of spongy bone. It 

 is broader behind than in front, and presents eight prin- 

 cipal cavities for the teeth, those for the molar teeth 

 being subdivided by lamellae of bone, forming separate 

 sockets for the roots. These sockets are of different 



Foramen; 



fSlens 



' *fSc07p<* 



I. palatine <AUHtt> 



Jkcessory palttKn* 

 farcuncn* 



FIG. 19. BOOK OF THE MOTTTH. 



(Formed by the palatine processes of the superior maxillary bones and 

 the palatine processes of the palate bones.) 



sizes ; thus, the canine socket is the deepest, the socket 

 for the first molar the broadest. The direction of the 

 axes of the sockets is upward, and for the anterior teeth 

 also slightly backward, giving to the teeth their forward 

 projection, as is well seen in the negro. The outer sur- 

 face of the alveolar process is thrown into vertical eleva- 

 tions and depressions, which mark the position of the 

 roots of the teeth and the intervals between them. The 



