Hard Palate

Introduction

The hard palate (palatum durum) forms the rostral roof of the oral cavity. It merges caudally with the soft palate where a connective tissue aponeurosis replaces the bone.

Hard Palate - Copyright Nottingham 2008

Structure and Function

  • 6-8 fixed transverse ridges to direct food caudally
  • Flat
  • Incisive papilla (small median swelling) behind incisive teeth
  • Smaller papillae ducts branching to nasal cavity and vomeronasal organ

Histology

Species Differences

Herbivores

  • More heavily keratinised

Feline

  • Short hard palate

Links

Pathology of Cleft Palate