The Human Maxilla: The Embryological and Anatomical Background for Understanding Pathological Development of the Maxilla

Abstract

This overview of the human maxilla focuses on the prenatal embryological development as a basis for understanding the postnatal abnormal development. In the normal prenatal development, the neural crest cell migration, the early bone formation, the innervation as marker of developmental fields in the bony maxilla and in the dentition are highlighted as well as maxillary growth pattern. Five examples of maxillary malformations and dental abnormalities in the maxilla are explained.