What is the palatine bone and what structures does it form?

The palatine bone is a small, L-shaped bone that contributes to three key areas: the posterior part of the hard palate, the lateral wall and floor of the nasal cavity, and the floor of the orbit. It is positioned between the maxilla and the sphenoid bone.

What are the main parts of the palatine bone?

The palatine bone has two main plates: the horizontal plate, which forms the posterior hard palate and nasal floor, and the perpendicular plate, which forms part of the nasal lateral wall. It also includes processes like the orbital, sphenoidal, and pyramidal processes.

How does the palatine bone relate to Le Fort fractures?

In Le Fort fractures of the mid-face, the perpendicular plate of the palatine bone is involved. Le Fort I affects the lower third of the perpendicular plate, while Le Fort II and III involve the upper part.

What are the processes of the palatine bone and their functions?

The palatine bone has three key processes: the orbital process helps form the floor of the orbit, the sphenoidal process contributes to the base of the pterygopalatine fossa, and the pyramidal process contains the lesser palatine canals and extends from the junction of the plates.

What is the role of the horizontal plate of the palatine bone?

The horizontal plate projects medially to unite with its counterpart, forming the posterior one-fourth of the hard palate and contributing to the floor of the nasal cavity.

What features are found on the perpendicular plate of the palatine bone?

The perpendicular plate includes the greater palatine groove, which helps form the greater palatine canal with the maxilla, and the sphenopalatine notch, completed into the sphenopalatine foramen by the sphenoid bone.

Palatine Bone – Hard Palate & Nasal Cavity Anatomy