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==Overview==
The hard palate ('''palatum durum''') forms the rostral roof of the [[Oral Cavity Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|oral cavity]]. It merges caudally with the [[Soft Palate|soft palate]] where a connective tissue '''aponeurosis''' replaces the bone.
[[Image:Hard and Soft Palate Anatomy.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Hard Palate - Copyright Nottingham 2008]]
==Structure and Function==
=Functional Anatomy==
The hard palate is the bony shelf of the palatine processes of the [[Skull and Facial Muscles - Anatomy & Physiology#Incisive Bone (os incisivium)|incisive]], [[Skull and Facial Muscles - Anatomy & Physiology#Maxilla|maxillary]] and [[Skull and Facial Muscles - Anatomy & Physiology#Paltine Bone (os palatinium)|palatine bones]]. Failure of the [[Skull and Facial Muscles - Anatomy & Physiology#Palatine Bone (os palatinium)|palatine bones]] to fuse results in [[Cleft Palate|cleft palate]].
There are 6-8 fixed transverse ridges to direct food caudally. The hard palate is flat and has '''incisive papilla''' (small median swelling) behind the incisive [[:Category:Teeth - Anatomy & Physiology|teeth]] and smaller '''papillae ducts''' branching to the [[Nasal Cavity - Anatomy & Physiology|nasal cavity]] and vomeronasal organ.
==Histology==
==Histology==
[[Image:Hard Palate Histology.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Hard Palate (Mouse) - Copyright RVC 2008]]
The palate is formed by thick mucosa and keratinised stratified squamous epithelium.
==Species Differences==
==Species Differences==
===Herbivores===
Herbivores have a more heavily keratinised hard palate.
===Feline===
Felines have short a hard palate.
==Links==
==Links==
[[Oral Cavity - Cavity & Gingiva|Pathology of Cleft Palate]]
Click here for the [[Cleft Palate|Pathology of Cleft Palate]]
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[[Category:Oral Cavity - Anatomy & Physiology]]