Lesser palatine canals

The lower/accessory/small/lesser palatal canals (Canales palatini minores) are passages in the palatine bone for the lower and middle palatal nerves and vessels. These small palatal canals start from the large palatal canal and follow a parallel path, also opening into the roof of the oral cavity. Their openings are known as the lesser palatine foramina (Foramina palatina minora), and the lower and middle palatine arteries, veins and nerves pass through them.