palatineknokler

Palatineknokler, or palatine bones, are two small, L-shaped bones that form part of the posterior portion of the hard palate, the lateral wall of the nasal cavity, and the posteromedial part of the orbital floor. Each bone consists of a horizontal plate and a vertical plate. The horizontal plate contributes to the posterior hard palate and bears openings for the greater palatine foramen and the lesser palatine foramina, which transmit the greater and lesser palatine nerves and accompanying vessels. The vertical plate forms part of the lateral wall of the nasal cavity and contributes to the floor of the orbit, with an orbital surface known as the orbital plate.

The palatine bones articulate with several surrounding bones. Anteriorly they meet the maxilla, laterally they touch the inferior nasal concha, and posteriorly they articulate with the ethmoid and sphenoid bones; they also join with the opposite palatine bone at the palatine suture.

Developmentally, the palatine bones arise by intramembranous ossification from neural crest cells. Functionally, they help form the posterior part of the bony palate, contribute to the lateral wall of the nasal cavity, and participate in the orbital floor, while providing canals for nerves and vessels.

Clinical relevance includes their involvement in midfacial trauma, where fractures may affect the palate and nasal cavity, and in surgical procedures such as cleft palate repair and reconstructive operations. Their anatomy is also relevant for regional anesthesia, dental implants, and other maxillofacial interventions.