Palatine bone (from Latin palatum) is a bone contained in the bony structure of the facial skull.

Position. Two in number, the palatal bones are located at the level of the facial skull, one of the two parts of the skull. The latter consists of 29 bones divided into two parts (1) (2):

• The cerebral skull, ovoid in shape and comprising eight bones, constitutes the cranial box and envelops the brain.
• The facial skull forms the facial mass and has 14 bones, including the palatal bones.

Structure of the palatine bone. Two in number, the palatal bones are contained in the facial skull, and more precisely in the upper facial mass (1) (2). The palatine bone articulates in front with the maxilla, the bone of the facial skull; at the back with the sphenoid, cerebral skull bone; and on its middle side with the vomer, facial skull bone. It consists of two bony blades (3):

• The horizontal lamina, forming the posterior part of the bony palate;
• The blade perpendicular, forming part of the lateral and posterior wall of the nasal cavity, as well as a thin part of the orbit.

Nasal passages. The palatine bone allows the formation of the nasal cavities, which are involved in the respiratory tract.

Oral routes. The palatine bone allows the formation of the oral cavity.

Different pathologies can affect the bones of the skull, including the palatine bone. Their causes are varied but can be linked to malformations, deformations, degenerative diseases or trauma.

Cranial injuries. The palatal bone can suffer trauma in the form of cracks or fractures. In some cases, head damage may be accompanied by brain damage.

• Crack of the skull. The crack is the lightest lesion but should be watched to avoid any complications.
• Skull fracture. The palatal bone can fracture.

Bone pathologies. The palatine bone can be affected by bone pathology.

• Paget’s disease. This bone disease is defined by an acceleration of bone remodeling, which can affect the skull. Symptoms are bone pain, headache, and head deformities (4).
• Bone tumors. Benign or malignant tumors can develop in the bones of the skull.

Medical treatment. Depending on the pathology diagnosed, certain drugs may be prescribed such as painkillers.

Surgical treatment. Depending on the condition diagnosed, surgery may be necessary.

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy or targeted therapy. Depending on the type and stage of the tumor, these treatments may be used to destroy cancer cells.

Physical examination. First, a clinical examination is performed to identify and assess the symptoms perceived by the patient.

Medical imaging exams. In a second step, additional examinations may be performed such as a brain scan or brain MRI.

Description of the brain. Thomas Willis is an English doctor considered one of the pioneers of neurology. He was one of the first to present a concrete description of the brain, notably through his treatise cerebral anatome. (5)

Paget’s disease. This disease owes its name to Sir James Paget, British surgeon and pathologist.