From the middle of the superior margin of the bone two processes, the ethmoid and maxillary, diverge. The maxillary process curves inferolaterally forming a broad, slightly curved plate. The borders of this plate articulate with the maxilla and its lateral surface contributes to the medial wall of the maxillary sinus.

The term maxilla is a corrupted form of the Latin term mala meaning cheek. Another possibility is that it comes from the Latin verb macerare meaning to chew. Originally the Romans used the word to define both upper and lower jaw bones. Process is a term used in anatomy to describe a projection on a bone. It comes from the Latin pro- meaning forward and cessus for gone. It is an old term that can be traced back to the writings of the early anatomist Celsus.

Processus maxillaris conchae nasalis inferioris