| palatal index | Relation of the palatomaxillary width, measured between the outer borders of the alveolar arch just above the middle of the second molar tooth, and the palatomaxillary length, measured from the alveolar point to the middle of a transverse line touching the posterior borders of the two maxillae: (palatomaxillary width × 100)/palatomaxillary length; it notes the varying forms of the dental arcade and palate. Synonym: palatal index, palatine index. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| palatal muscles | The muscles of the palate are the glossopalatine, palatoglossus, levator palati(ni), musculus uvulae, palatopharyngeus, and tensor palati(ni). (12 Dec 1998) |
| palatal myoclonus | Rhythmic contractions of the soft palate, the facial muscles, and the diaphragm, related to lesions of the olivocerebellar pathways. See: palatal nystagmus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| palatal nystagmus | A clonic spasm of the levator palati muscle, causing an audible click. (05 Mar 2000) |
| palatal obturators | Appliances that close a cleft or fissure of the palate. (12 Dec 1998) |
| palatal papillomatosis | Closely arranged papules of the palatal mucosa underlying an ill-fitting denture. Synonym: palatal papillomatosis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| palatal plate | A partial denture major connector that has an anteroposterior width in excess of two maxillary premolars. (05 Mar 2000) |
| palatal reflex | Swallowing reflex induced by stimulation of the palate. (05 Mar 2000) |
| palatal shelf | A medially directed outgrowth of the embryonic maxilla; when fused with its opposite number it forms the secondary palate. (05 Mar 2000) |
| palatal triangle | A triangular area bounded by the greatest transverse diameter of the palate and by lines converging from its extremities to the alveolar point. Synonym: trigonum palati. (05 Mar 2000) |
| median palatal cyst | A developmental cyst located in the midline of the hard palate. (05 Mar 2000) |