Greater palatine canal

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Anatomical structure in the human skull

Greater palatine canal

Latin	canalis palatinus major
Nerve	Greater palatine nerve
System	Skeletal system

The greater palatine canal (also known as the pterygopalatine canal) is an anatomical structure located in the human skull. It is a vertical passage that extends from the pterygopalatine fossa to the oral cavity, specifically opening into the hard palate.

Anatomy

The greater palatine canal is formed by the union of the maxilla and the palatine bone. It is situated posterior to the maxillary sinus and anterior to the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone. The canal descends vertically and slightly medially from the pterygopalatine fossa to the greater palatine foramen, which is located near the posterior aspect of the hard palate.

Contents

The greater palatine canal transmits several important structures:

• The greater palatine nerve, which is a branch of the maxillary nerve (V2) from the trigeminal nerve (CN V).
• The greater palatine artery, which is a branch of the descending palatine artery.
• The greater palatine vein, which accompanies the artery and nerve.

Function

The structures passing through the greater palatine canal provide sensory innervation, blood supply, and venous drainage to the hard palate and the adjacent gingiva. The greater palatine nerve supplies sensation to the mucosa of the hard palate and the palatal gingiva of the maxillary teeth. The greater palatine artery supplies blood to the same regions, while the greater palatine vein is responsible for venous return.

Clinical Significance

The greater palatine canal is of clinical importance in various dental and surgical procedures. For instance, the greater palatine nerve block is a common anesthetic technique used in dentistry to numb the hard palate and the palatal gingiva. Additionally, the canal may be involved in the spread of infections or tumors from the pterygopalatine fossa to the oral cavity.

See also

• Lesser palatine canal
• Pterygopalatine fossa
• Maxillary nerve
• Hard palate