Final answer:
The maxillary bones form the upper jaw and have many important functions, including supporting the upper teeth and contributing to the formation of the hard palate, orbit floor, and base of the nose. Faulty union of the maxillary bones can lead to developmental defects like cleft palate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maxillary bones are a pair of bones that form the upper jaw and support the upper teeth. They also contribute to the formation of the hard palate, the floor of the orbit, and the base of the nose. The alveolar processes of the maxilla contain sockets for the upper teeth. Any faulty union of the maxillary bones can result in various developmental defects, such as cleft palate or cleft lip.