48 



PRACTICAL ANATOMY. 



for examination a superior and an inferior surface, an 

 anterior, inner and a posterior border. 



The anterior border is thin and serrated for articula- 

 tion with the posterior border of the palatine process of 

 the superior maxillary. The inner border is thick, rough, 

 and spongy; its upper edge is turned up in a prominent 

 lip, which, when articulated with its fellow of the oppo- 

 site side, forms the crest with which the vomer articu- 

 lates, and is continuous with the crest of the palatine 

 process of the superior maxillary bone. The posterior 



FIG. 21. PALATE BONE. 

 (Viewed posteriorly.) 



FIG. 22. PALATE BONK. 

 (Inner surface.) 



border is thin, concave from side to side, and terminates 

 in the middle line posteriorly in a spine forming in the 

 articulated skull, the posterior nasal spine. The superior 

 surface is smooth, concave from side to side, and forms 

 the posterior portion of the floor of the nose. The in- 

 ferior surface is smooth, but slightly irregular. Near the 

 posterior border is the palatine ridge, which curves out- 

 ward and backward and affords attachment to the tensor 

 palati muscle. External and anterior to the palatine 

 ridge is a groove which passes upward upon the external 

 surface of the vertical plate. This groove is converted 



