What is the medical term for the upper jaw?

The upper jaw is known as the maxilla, which plays a key role in forming the structure of the face and holds the upper teeth. It is an essential component of the skull, contributing to the formation of the orbits of the eyes, the nasal cavity, and the palate of the mouth. Understanding anatomical terms like maxilla is important in fields such as dentistry, medicine, and anatomy, as they provide clarity in communication about the body’s structures.

Other terms provided do not pertain to the upper jaw. For instance, the patella is the bone that is commonly known as the kneecap, while hematemesis refers to the vomiting of blood, indicating a medical condition often related to gastrointestinal issues. Capillaries are small blood vessels that facilitate the exchange of oxygen and nutrients between blood and tissues but are unrelated to the jaw structure. Therefore, maxilla is the only term that accurately describes the upper jaw.