Palatine

Palatine Bone

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Diagram of the palatine bone in relation to other skull bones.

The palatine bone is a paired, L-shaped bone that is located at the back of the nasal cavity between the maxilla and the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone. It contributes to the formation of the hard palate, the floor of the nasal cavity, and the floor of the orbit.

Anatomy

The palatine bone consists of two plates: the horizontal plate and the perpendicular plate.

Horizontal Plate

The horizontal plate of the palatine bone forms the posterior part of the hard palate. It articulates with the horizontal plate of the opposite palatine bone at the median palatine suture.

Perpendicular Plate

The perpendicular plate extends vertically and contributes to the lateral wall of the nasal cavity. It articulates with the maxilla, the sphenoid bone, and the inferior nasal concha.

Articulations

The palatine bone articulates with six bones:

• The sphenoid bone
• The ethmoid bone
• The maxilla
• The inferior nasal concha
• The vomer
• The opposite palatine bone

Function

The palatine bone plays a crucial role in separating the oral and nasal cavities, which is essential for proper speech and swallowing. It also forms part of the pterygopalatine fossa, which houses important nerves and blood vessels.

Clinical Significance

Fractures of the palatine bone can occur due to facial trauma and may lead to complications such as orofacial clefts or nasal obstruction. Surgical interventions may be required to correct such issues.

Related Pages

• Maxilla
• Sphenoid bone
• Nasal cavity
• Hard palate