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    From Musculoskeletal System

    Interspinous Ligament
    Spinal ligament between adjacent vertebral spinous processes.
    Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the inner knee.
    Metatarsals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the mid-foot.
    Anterior Longitudinal Ligament
    Spinal ligament running along the front of the vertebral column.
    Quadriceps
    Rectus Femoris, Vastus Medialis, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Intermedius.
    Zygomaticus
    Muscle that raises the corners of the mouth.
    Iliolumbar Ligament
    Ligament connecting the ilium and lumbar vertebrae.
    Extensor Tendons
    Tendons that help extend the fingers and toes.
    Triceps Brachii
    Muscle responsible for elbow extension.
    Acromioclavicular Ligament
    Ligament that connects the acromion to the clavicle.
    Saddle Joints
    e.g., thumb joint
    Rotator Cuff Tendons
    Tendons of the rotator cuff muscles.
    Biceps Tendon
    Tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to the bone.
    Quadriceps Tendon
    Tendon that connects the quadriceps to the patella.
    Syndesmoses
    Fibrous joints where bones are connected by ligaments.
    Wormian Bones
    Sutural bones in the skull.
    Obliques (External and Internal)
    Muscles responsible for torso rotation.
    Carpals (8 bones)
    8 wrist bones.
    Trapezius
    Muscle responsible for moving, rotating, and stabilizing the scapula.
    Diaphragm
    Primary muscle for breathing.
    Masseter
    Muscle that elevates the mandible.
    Lumbar Vertebrae (L1 - L5)
    Vertebrae in the lower back (L1-L5).
    Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the outer knee.
    Achilles Tendon
    Tendon connecting the calf muscle to the heel bone.
    Facial Bones
    Bones forming the structure of the face.

    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? The femur is the longest and strongest bone in the human body.