Anatomy Quiz: Oral Structures

Study Notes

Anatomy of the Oral Cavity and Surrounding Structures

Norma basalis externa: Refers to the external base of the skull which is important for dental and maxillary structures.
Premaxilla: Anterior part of the maxilla, housing the upper incisors, significant in dental alignment and facial aesthetics.
Incisive fossa: A depression in the maxilla, located between the central incisors; it serves as a landmark for dental procedures.
Intermaxillary suture: The junction between the two halves of the maxilla, crucial for understanding craniofacial development and orthodontics.
Incisive canal: A passageway running through the maxilla, connecting the incisive fossae to the nasal cavity; it contains the nasopalatine nerve and blood vessels.
Median palatine fissure: A midline separation of the palatine processes of the maxilla, potential site for cleft palate formation.
Palatine process of maxilla: Forms the anterior part of the hard palate; vital for oral separation between mouth and nasal cavity.
Palatine crest: A prominent ridge on the palatine bone, providing muscle attachment and contributing to oral structure.
Horizontal plates of palatine bones: Form the posterior part of the hard palate; important for creating the oral and nasal separation.
Greater palatine foramen: An opening in the palatine bone that transmits the greater palatine nerve and vessels, essential for innervation of the hard palate.
Lesser palatine foramen: Smaller openings located posterior to the greater palatine foramen, through which lesser palatine nerves and vessels pass.
Cruciform suture: A distinctive suture pattern formed by the intersection of different bones in the palatine region.
Maxillary tuberosity: An anatomical prominence located posterior to the upper molars, important for dental extractions and prosthetics.
Posterior nasal spine: A bony projection at the back of the nasal cavity formed by the fusion of the palatine bones; it serves as an attachment point for the nasal cartilage.