[TA] the projecting ridge on the inferior surface of the body of the maxilla that contains the tooth sockets; the term is also applied to the superior aspect of the body of the mandible, containing the tooth sockets of the lower jaw. SYN: processus alveolaris maxillae [TA], alveolar body, alveolar bone (1), alveolar border (2), alveolar ridge, basal ridge (1), dental process.