Morphometric analysis of the hard palate

AIM: To do the morphometric analysis of the hard palate. OBJECTIVE: By analysing the palatine length and breadth, which is used to determine the palatine index, the position of the greater foramen (GPF), the distance of GPF from the middle maxillary suture (MMS) and the variation in number of lesser palatine foramina (LPF); the variations of the hard palate in South Indians can be seen. BACKGROUND: The morph metric analysis of the hard palate is done by determining the palatine index, GDF, MMS as well as the LPF of unsexed South Indian skulls; which plays an important role in the passive articulation of speech. This information will also provide needed information about defects during development which can lead to conditions like cleft palate. The basis to this is that the osteological and morphological variations of the hard palate is of great clinical value. REASON: The hard palate has got variations in age and race. There is a need to analyse and find out the Palatine Index for South Indian population. This could prove as a useful tool for plastic surgeons as well as anthropologist.