Horizontal plate of palatine bone

Horizontal plate of palatine bone

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Horizontal plate of palatine bone (shown in green)

The Horizontal plate of palatine bone is a significant anatomical structure in the human skull. It is one of the two major parts of the palatine bone, the other being the perpendicular plate. The horizontal plate is located in the posterior part of the hard palate, forming the back part of the roof of the mouth.

Structure

The horizontal plate of the palatine bone is thin, quadrilateral in shape, and presents two surfaces and four borders. The nasal surface is concave, contributes to the floor of the nasal cavity, and presents a large, irregular opening leading into the pyramidal process. The palatine surface is concave, smooth, forms part of the hard palate, and presents posteriorly a transverse ridge, the palatine crest, for the attachment of part of the Tensor veli palatini.

Function

The horizontal plate of the palatine bone plays a crucial role in forming the posterior part of the hard palate, which separates the oral and nasal cavities. This separation allows for simultaneous breathing and eating. The plate also provides a base for the attachment of several muscles, including the tensor veli palatini, which helps in opening the Eustachian tube during swallowing or yawning.

Clinical significance

Damage or abnormalities to the horizontal plate of the palatine bone can lead to conditions such as cleft palate, which can cause difficulties in eating and speaking. Surgical intervention may be required to correct such conditions.

See also

• Palatine bone
• Perpendicular plate of palatine bone
• Hard palate
• Cleft palate