Skip to main content
Log in

Radiographic and microscopic anatomy of the mid-palatal suture in the elderly

  • Medical Imaging
  • Published:
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In a previous radiological study of the mid-palatal suture, it has been demonstrated that its obliteration was occurring during adult life and varied. In order to determine the histological status of mid-palatal suture in elderly men, 20 human palates aged more than 70 were examined by occlusal radiographs and histological study of the suture. In all palates the suture was ossified in the anterior thirds and made of conjunctive tissue in the posterior third. This particular evolution could be correlated to the mastication forces acting on the maxillary bones during the entire life.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Latham RA (1971) The development, structure and growth of the human mid-palatal suture. J Anat 108:31–41

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Lebourg L, Seydel S (1932) Nature, évolution et rôle des articulations de la face: leur importance physio-pathologique. Rev Stomatol 34:193–210

    Google Scholar 

  3. Melsen B (1975) Palatal growth studied on human autopsy material. Am J Orthod 68:42–54

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. N’Guyen T, Cyna-Gorse F, Vacher C (2007) Anatomical modifications of the mid-palatal suture during ageing. A radiographic study. Surg Radiol Anat 29:253–259

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Persson M, Thilander B (1977) Palatal suture closure in man from 15 to 35 years of age. Am J Orthod 72:42

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Pritchard JJ, Scott JH, Girgis FG (1956) The structure and development of cranial and facial sutures. J Anat 90:73

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Revelo B, Fishman LS (1994) Maturational evaluation of ossification of the mid-palatal suture. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 105:288–299

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Stuart DA, Wimlshire WA (2003) Rapid palatal expansion in the young adult: time for a paradigm shift ? J Can Dent Assoc 69:374–377

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Vacher C, Sakka M, Dauge MC (2001) Incisive suture (fissure) in the human fetus: radiographic and histologic study. Cleft Palate Craniofac J 38:330–336

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Wehrbein H, Yildizhan F (2001) The mid-palatal suture in young adults. A radiological–histological investigation. Eur J Orthod 23:105–114

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to C. Vacher.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

N’Guyen, T., Ayral, X. & Vacher, C. Radiographic and microscopic anatomy of the mid-palatal suture in the elderly . Surg Radiol Anat 30, 65–68 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-007-0281-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-007-0281-6

Keywords

Navigation