Anatomy of the Palatine Bone

Palatine Bone

• Located posteriorly and inferiorly to the hard palate.
• Contributes to the roof of the mouth and the floor of the nasal cavity.

Bones of the Cranium

• Comprises 8 bones that protect the brain:
  • Sphenoid (1)
  • Temporal (2)
  • Ethmoid (1)
  • Parietal (2)
  • Occipital (1)
  • Frontal (1)

Frontal Bone

• Flat bone divided into three parts:
  • Squamous
  • Orbital
  • Nasal
• Plays a role in facial expressions via the frontalis muscle.

Parietal Bones

• Two flat bones, each with four regions:
  • Frontal
  • Occipital
  • Sphenoidal
  • Mastoid Angle

Occipital Bone

• Flat bone composed of three sections:
  • Squamous
  • Basilar
  • Lateral
• Contains the foramen magnum, through which the spinal cord passes.

Temporal Bones

• Irregular bones featuring five parts:
  • Squamous
  • Petrous
  • Tympanic
  • Mastoid
  • Styloid
• The styloid process serves as an anchor for muscles involved with the tongue and larynx.

Ethmoid Bone

• Located within the paranasal sinuses, forming part of the anterior cranial fossa floor.
• Composed of four sections:
  • Cribriform plate (1)
  • Perpendicular plate (1)
  • Ethmoid labyrinths (2)

Clinical Relevance

• Cribriform plate fractures can lead to anosmia (loss of smell).
• Ethmoid labyrinth fractures may result in communication between the nasal cavity and orbit, causing orbital emphysema.
• Inflammation of the ethmoid can lead to rhinosinusitis.
• Rhinorrhea may occur when cerebral spinal fluid drains from one side of the nose due to disruption.
• Ethmoid bone damage can stem from infection, inflammation, or facial trauma.