» This article's about the human maxilla. For arthropod maxillae, see Mouthparts; for insect maxillae in particular, see Insect mouthparts. The maxilla (plural: maxillae)'s a fusion of two bones along the palatal fissure that form the upper jaw. This's similar to the mandible, which's also a fusion of two halves at the mental symphysis. Birds don't have a maxilla in the strict sense; the corresponding part of their beaks's called upper mandible. Function The alveolar process of the maxilla hold… (More on Maxilla)