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Greater Palatine Artery

arteria palatina major

The greater palatine artery descends from the maxillary artery through the descending palatine canal (greater palatine canal) and emerges at the greater palatine foramen at the posterolateral hard palate to supply the palatal mucosa and the palatal aspect of the upper gingiva. It runs anteromedially in a groove on the hard palate to anastomose with the nasopalatine artery at the incisive foramen, forming the main vascular supply of the hard palate mucoperiosteum.

Region: Head & Skull

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The greater palatine artery is the blood supply for the palatal flap used in palatal cleft repair, oronasal fistula closure, and palatal defect reconstruction. It is protected during palatal mucoperiosteal flap elevation by staying superficial to the bone. In maxillary osteotomy and sinus surgery, the descending palatine vessels in the greater palatine canal must be managed carefully to avoid haemorrhage. The greater palatine foramen is the target for greater palatine nerve block, used for palatal analgesia in dental procedures.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Greater Palatine Artery Preservation in Palatal Flap

Palatal mucoperiosteal flaps for cleft repair, fistula closure, and implant site preparation depend on the greater palatine artery as the dominant pedicle; flap elevation must remain directly on bone to preserve the artery in the mucoperiosteal layer, and the foramen must not be instrumented aggressively.