Location Of Greater Palatine Foramen In Dry Human Skulls

The position of the greater palatine foramen varies between standard anatomy texts and various anthropometric studies. This study was done to locate the position of the foramen in relation to the maxillary molars in dry human skulls in Indian population. A total of 61 adult dry human skulls were selected. Measurements were made from the mid sagital plane to the middle of the greater palatine foramen using a Digital vernier caliper. The overall position of the foramen was medial to the 3rd molar in 40 skulls,between 2nd and 3rd molar in 13 skulls and distal to the 3rd molar in 8 skulls.The overall position of the greater palatine foramen was medial to the 3rd molar in 40 skulls,between 2nd and 3rd molar in 13 skulls and distal to the 3rd molar in 8 skulls.The location of greater palatine foramen was about 1.36cm in third molar and mid palatine suture in both the genders.