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    From Musculoskeletal System

    Hinge Joints
    e.g., elbow, knee
    Clavicle
    Collarbone connecting the arm to the body.
    Gastrocnemius
    Calf muscle responsible for plantarflexion of the foot.
    Thoracic Vertebrae (T1 - T12)
    Vertebrae in the upper and mid-back (T1-T12).
    Tarsals (7 bones)
    7 ankle bones.
    Vertebral Column
    Spinal column consisting of vertebrae.
    Frontal Bone
    Bone forming the forehead and upper part of the orbits.
    Maxillae
    Upper jaw bones that house the teeth and form part of the orbit.
    Buccinator
    Muscle that helps with chewing and blowing air out.
    Radius
    Forearm bone on the thumb side.
    Sternum
    Breastbone located in the center of the chest.
    Thoracic Cage
    Ribs and sternum forming the protective cage for the heart and lungs.
    Rotator Cuff Muscles
    Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Subscapularis.
    Humerus
    Upper arm bone connecting the shoulder to the elbow.
    Pelvic Floor Muscles
    Muscles that support pelvic organs.
    Nasal Bones
    Bones forming the bridge of the nose.
    Trapezius
    Muscle responsible for moving, rotating, and stabilizing the scapula.
    Metatarsals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the mid-foot.
    Lumbar Vertebrae (L1 - L5)
    Vertebrae in the lower back (L1-L5).
    Deltoid
    Shoulder muscle responsible for arm abduction.
    Triceps Brachii
    Muscle responsible for elbow extension.
    Sesamoid Bones
    e.g., patella, some found in hands/feet.
    Flexor and Extensor Groups
    Muscles responsible for flexing and extending the hand and wrist.
    Facial Bones
    Bones forming the structure of the face.
    Tibialis Anterior
    Muscle that dorsiflexes and inverts the foot.

    Palatine Bones

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Bones forming part of the hard palate and nasal cavity.

    1. Overview

    The palatine bone is a small, paired L-shaped bone located deep within the facial skeleton. Despite its modest size, it contributes to the formation of three key cavities: the oral cavity, the nasal cavity, and the orbit. Each palatine bone consists of two main plates (horizontal and perpendicular) and several processes, all of which contribute structurally and functionally to the stability and partitioning of the midface.

    2. Location

    The palatine bone is situated in the posterior part of the nasal cavity:

    • Posteriorly: Positioned behind the maxilla.

    • Inferiorly: Contributes to the posterior portion of the hard palate.

    • Medially: Articulates with its counterpart at the midline of the palate.

    • Superiorly: Extends upward into the orbit, forming part of the orbital floor.

    3. Structure

    The palatine bone has a complex, L-shaped structure and consists of two main parts:

    • Horizontal plate: Forms the posterior one-third of the hard palate; articulates with the opposite palatine bone at the midline and the palatine process of the maxilla anteriorly.

    • Perpendicular (vertical) plate: Extends upward to contribute to the lateral wall of the nasal cavity and connects with the orbital and sphenoid bones superiorly.

    Important anatomical features:

    • Pyramidal process: Projects posteriorly and laterally between the pterygoid plates of the sphenoid.

    • Orbital process: Forms a small part of the floor of the orbit.

    • Sphenoidal process: Connects to the sphenoid bone and partakes in the pterygopalatine fossa.

    • Greater and lesser palatine foramina: Openings that allow passage of palatine nerves and vessels to the palate.

    4. Function

    The palatine bone has several structural and functional roles:

    • Forms the hard palate: Contributes to the bony roof of the mouth, separating the oral and nasal cavities.

    • Supports nasal cavity: Forms part of its lateral wall and floor, supporting the conchae and meatuses.

    • Contributes to the orbit: Helps form a small portion of the floor of the eye socket.

    • Pathway for nerves and vessels: Houses foramina through which greater and lesser palatine nerves and vessels reach the palate.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    While primarily a structural bone, the palatine bone indirectly supports several physiological functions:

    • Speech and swallowing: As part of the hard palate, it helps direct airflow and bolus movement.

    • Respiration: Supports nasal architecture that conditions inhaled air (humidification and filtration).

    • Sensory conduction: Through its foramina, allows passage of nerves involved in oral sensation and taste (greater and lesser palatine nerves).

    • Vascular supply: Facilitates the passage of palatine arteries supplying the palate and nasal septum.

    6. Clinical Significance

    The palatine bone is involved in several developmental, surgical, and pathological conditions:

    • Cleft palate:

      • Occurs when the horizontal plates of the palatine bones (and/or the palatine processes of the maxillae) fail to fuse during embryonic development, resulting in an opening between the oral and nasal cavities.

    • Palatine tumors or cysts:

      • Benign or malignant lesions in the region may affect surrounding bones and structures of the palate or nasal cavity.

    • Surgical relevance:

      • Used as a landmark in palatal surgeries and maxillofacial reconstruction, especially in procedures involving the hard palate or pterygopalatine fossa.

    • Greater palatine nerve block:

      • Used in dental anesthesia; the greater palatine foramen located on the posterior hard palate is the target for nerve blocks to anesthetize the posterior palate and gingiva.

    • Sinus and orbital disease:

      • Due to its proximity to the orbit and paranasal sinuses, palatine bone involvement may occur in infections or trauma affecting those areas.

    Did you know? Your hand has 5 metacarpal bones.