Palatinalknoklene

Palatinalknoklene, known in English as the palatine bones, are two small, paired bones in the skull. They are L-shaped and contribute to the posterior part of the hard palate, the floor of the nasal cavity, and the orbit. Each bone consists of a horizontal plate that forms the posterior portion of the hard palate and a vertical (perpendicular) plate that helps form the lateral wall of the nasal cavity and part of the orbital floor.

Structure and surfaces

The horizontal plate of the palatine bone meets its counterpart from the opposite side to complete the posterior hard palate. The vertical plate extends upward to contribute to the lateral wall of the nasal cavity and to the orbital structure. On the palatine bone are openings for the greater and lesser palatine foramina, which transmit the greater and lesser palatine nerves and vessels. The bones also participate in forming portions of the pterygopalatine fossa through their connections with adjacent skull bones.

Articulations

The palatine bones articulate with several neighboring bones, including the maxilla anteriorly, the inferior nasal concha and the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid medially, the sphenoid posteriorly, and the contralateral palatine bone. They form part of the hard palate together with the maxillae and contribute to the structure of the nasal cavity and the orbital floor.

Development and variation

Palatine bones arise through intramembranous ossification as part of the facial skeleton. Size and shape show individual variation but the overall L-shaped configuration is conserved.

Clinical relevance

Injuries involving the palatine bones can accompany midface trauma and may affect the palate, nasal cavity, or orbital region. Fractures can disrupt the integrity of the posterior hard palate and adjacent structures.