Palatine process

Definition

The palatine process is a horizontal projection from the maxillary bones that forms the anterior three-quarters of the hard palate, the bony structure at the roof of the mouth. It plays a crucial role in separating the oral and nasal cavities.

Related terms

Maxillary Bones: These are paired bones that form the upper jaw and carry the upper teeth, serving as one of the keystones of facial structure.

Hard Palate:

This is the bony front part of the palate forming a partition between the oral and nasal cavities, providing a rigid floor to the nasal cavity and a roof to the mouth.

Nasal Cavity:

It is a large air-filled space above and behind the nose in the middle of the face, involved in breathing and olfaction (smelling)