Palatine process (Maxilla)

The palatine process (Maxilla) is the most characteristic process of the maxilla. It is a lamina of bone that projects perpendicularly from the nasal surface of the maxilla near the ventral margin. It joins the palatine process (Maxilla) of the opposite bone by means of the median palatine suture. The latter is elevated and forms the nasal crest of maxilla which connects to the ventral edge of the vomer. The palatine process (Maxilla) forms, together with the horizontal plate of the palatine bone and the palatine process of the incisive bone, the support of the hard palate and the floor of the nasal cavity: they thus separate the nasal cavity from the oral cavity. The palatine process (Maxilla) forms the largest part of the bony palate.