Lesser palatine canals

Lesser Palatine Canals

Illustration of the Lesser Palatine Canals

The Lesser Palatine Canals are anatomical structures located in the human skull. They are part of the palatine bone and serve as conduits for the lesser palatine nerves and blood vessels to pass through.

Anatomy

The lesser palatine canals originate from the Pterygopalatine fossa, passing through the palatine bone and opening into the oral cavity at the lesser palatine foramen. They are usually two in number and are smaller than the Greater palatine canal.

Function

The primary function of the lesser palatine canals is to provide a pathway for the lesser palatine nerves, which are branches of the Pterygopalatine ganglion. These nerves supply sensation to the soft palate and uvula. The canals also carry blood vessels that supply the same areas.

Clinical Significance

Knowledge of the lesser palatine canals is important in various surgical procedures involving the oral cavity and maxillofacial region. For instance, in uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, a surgical procedure for treating obstructive sleep apnea, the lesser palatine nerves may be affected, leading to complications such as altered sensation in the soft palate.

See Also

• Greater palatine canal
• Pterygopalatine fossa
• Palatine bone
• Pterygopalatine ganglion