This is a shallow fossa just behind the eminence formed by the root of the canine tooth. It is vertical in orientation and provides attachment for the levator anguli oris muscle.

Canine comes from the Latin word canis meaning dog. Dogs have prominent, sharp, tearing teeth near the front of the tooth row. These teeth were called the dog or canine teeth. The name has transferred to the similar sharp teeth in all mammals. Fossa comes from the Latin fodere meaning to dig. The Latin term fossa literally translates as a ditch, trench, or hole.

Fossa canina

Fosse canine