Palate (bones)

The Palate Bones (palatum, the palate) are situated at the back part of the nasal fossae: they are wedged in between the superior maxillary bones and the pterygoid processes of the sphenoid. Each bone assists in the formation of three cavities: the floor and outer wall of the nose, the roof of the mouth, and the floor of the orbit, and enters into the formation of two fossae, the spheno-maxillary and pterygoid; and one fissure, the spheno-maxillary. In form the palate bone somewhat resembles the letter L, and may be divided into an inferior or horizontal plate and a superior or vertical plate.^[1]

The Horizontal Plate

The Horizontal Plate is of a quadrilateral from, and presents two surfaces and four borders. The Superior surface, concave from side to side, forms the back part of the floor of the nose. The Inferior surface, slightly concave and rough, forms the back part of the hard palate. At its posterior part may be seen a transverse ridge, more or less marked, for the attachment of part of the aponeurosis of the Tensor palati muscle. At the outer extremity of this ridge is a deep groove converted into a canal by its articulation with the tuberosity of the superior maxillary bone, and forming the Posterior palatine canal.

References

1. Gray's Anatomy pg.91 (10/28/11)