Foramen palatinum posterius, also known as the posterior palatine foramen or posterior palatine canal, is a specific anatomical structure located in the oral cavity. It is identified as a small opening situated on the posterior part of the hard palate, which is the bony roof of the mouth.
This foramen serves as the exit point for the posterior superior alveolar nerve, a branch of the maxillary nerve. The maxillary nerve is a major division of the trigeminal nerve, one of the cranial nerves responsible for providing sensory information to the face and mouth.
The foramen palatinum posterius allows the posterior superior alveolar nerve to pass through and supply sensory innervation to the maxillary molars, gingiva, and surrounding tissues. This nerve carries important information related to pain, temperature, and touch back to the brain from these areas.
This passage is crucial for dental professionals as it is used as a landmark during local anesthesia administration for dental procedures involving the posterior maxillary teeth. Knowledge of the location, size, and variability of the foramen palatinum posterius is essential to ensure a successful and painless anesthetic effect.
In summary, the foramen palatinum posterius is a small opening in the posterior region of the hard palate, allowing the posterior superior alveolar nerve to exit and provide sensory innervation to the maxillary molars and surrounding structures.
