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Anatomy and Variations of the Greater Palatine Foramen

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Anatomical Variations in Clinical Dentistry

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Abstract

The greater palatine foramen (GPF) is one of the most important neurovascular carrying ports in the oral cavity. It is formed between the maxilla and palatine bone. The neurovascular bundle carries sensation and circulation to the gums, palate, and nasal cavity. Whether a surgeon is looking to prevent iatrogenic injury or aiming to provide hemostasis or anesthesia via this neurovasculature, knowledge of the exact location and possible anatomical variations of the GPF are vital for success. It is therefore particularly important for maxillofacial surgeries, periodontal procedures, local anesthesia, and hemostasis even beyond the scope of surgery. In this chapter, we review the normal anatomy of the foramen and the most common variants and discuss the clinical importance of the GPF and the associated greater palatine canal.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland

    Iwona M. Tomaszewska, Patrick Popieluszko, Krzysztof A. Tomaszewski & Jerzy A. Walocha

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  1. Iwona M. Tomaszewska
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  2. Patrick Popieluszko
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  3. Krzysztof A. Tomaszewski
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  4. Jerzy A. Walocha
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA

    Joe Iwanaga

  2. Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA

    R. Shane Tubbs

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Tomaszewska, I.M., Popieluszko, P., Tomaszewski, K.A., Walocha, J.A. (2019). Anatomy and Variations of the Greater Palatine Foramen. In: Iwanaga, J., Tubbs, R. (eds) Anatomical Variations in Clinical Dentistry. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-97961-8_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-97961-8_10

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-97960-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-97961-8

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