Morphometric Study Of Bony Palate Among Dry Skulls Of South India Population

ABSTRACT

Background: Hard palate forms an important area in the skull, between the oral cavity and the nasal cavity. It isformed anteriorly by the palatine process of maxillae and posteriorly by the horizontal plates of palatine bonesof both sides, forming a cruciform suture in the midline. The hard palate play a crucial role in articulation ofspeech and any significant variations in its morphology may lead to alterations in the speech of an individual.Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 50 dry skulls of unknown sex and age obtained fromthe department of Anatomy, K S Hegde Medical Academy, Mangaluru. Various morphometric measurments weretaken from the skull using digital vernier calipers.Results: The length, breadth and height of the hard palate was 50.45mm±2.86mm, 39.38mm±2.28mm and10.31mm±2.21mm respectively. The distance between the greater palatine foramen and middle maxillary suturewas 14.80mm±1.14mm on right and 14.83mm±1.08mm on left side. The position of greater palatine foramen in82% of the skulls was opposite 3rd molars and 18% was between 2nd and 3rd molars. The palatine index showedthat, 66% were Leptostaphyline, 18% were Mesostaphyline and 16% were Brachystaphyline The palatine heightindex showed that 56% were Chamestaphyline, and 44% were Orthostaphyline.Conclusion: The present study identifies the commonest location of greater palatine foramen to be opposite the3rd maxillary molars which is useful for clinicians to perform procedures on palate. The morphometry is usefulin comparing the skulls of various origin.