An unknown anomaly of the soft palate

Conclusion

From the above description it appears possible that the bilateral symmetrical depressions of the soft palate coincide, anatomically, with the region of the ‘second fan≿ fibres of insertion of the Tensor Palati Muscle (see figure 2). The situation of the fundus of the umbilications and progressive shallowing forwards and medially suggests a pull upwards and laterally of the buccal surface of the soft palate on both sides. Keeping in mind the diverse development of the components of the soft palate, it would not be easy to pinpoint any particular stage of its development being responsible for this anomaly, though one may safely assume that these umbilications have something to do with the Tensor Palati muscles. It may be conjectured that one or more of the following might be responsible:—

• 1. Soft Tensor Palati Muscles resulting, probably, from a fault in the migration of the First Arch mesodermal cells into the palatine process of the maxillary folds.

• 2. Large Hamulus Processes due to a defect in the development and/or ossification of the Hamulus.

• 3. More Posteriorly placed hamulus processes due to a fault in the development and/or ossification of the medial palatine processes.

• 4. A flimsy Palatine Aponeurosis causing dimpling, due to the pull of the tone of the muscle on each side.