Remember the maxilla is specifically the upper jaw, not the lower one, which is the mandible. During the anatomy class, we learned about the differences between the maxilla and the mandible.
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Human and Animal
The term maxilla applies to both humans and a wide range of animals; it's not exclusive to people. The vet was explaining how the maxilla of a dog is structured compared to that of a human.
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Medical Context
The word maxilla is often used by healthcare professionals, so it's more formal and technical. The surgeon discussed the risks associated with maxilla reconstruction.