Palatine canal

Palatine canal

The Palatine canal, also known as the greater palatine 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 palatine canal is formed by the union of the maxilla and the palatine bone. It serves as a conduit for the greater palatine artery, the greater palatine vein, and the greater palatine nerve. These structures provide vascular and nerve supply to the hard palate and the adjacent gingiva.

Greater Palatine Artery

The greater palatine artery is a branch of the descending palatine artery, which itself is a branch of the maxillary artery. It supplies blood to the hard palate and the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity.

Greater Palatine Nerve

The greater palatine nerve is a branch of the pterygopalatine ganglion, which is associated with the maxillary nerve (a branch of the trigeminal nerve). It provides sensory innervation to the hard palate and the adjacent gingiva.

Clinical Significance

The palatine canal is of clinical importance in various dental and surgical procedures. For instance, it is a landmark in the administration of the greater palatine nerve block, which is used for anesthesia in dental procedures involving the hard palate. Additionally, the canal is considered during surgeries involving the maxillary sinus and the pterygopalatine fossa.

Related Structures

• Pterygopalatine fossa
• Maxilla
• Palatine bone
• Greater palatine artery
• Greater palatine nerve
• Hard palate
• Maxillary artery
• Trigeminal nerve

See Also

• Pterygopalatine fossa
• Maxilla
• Palatine bone
• Greater palatine artery
• Greater palatine nerve
• Hard palate
• Maxillary artery
• Trigeminal nerve