Morphometric Analysis and Variations of the Hard Palate in Human Dry Skulls: A Cross-Sectional Study from the Punjab Region, Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to measure and analyze the morphometric parameters of the hard palate in human
dry skulls, including length, width, height, palatine, and height indices, and categorize the anatomical variations
observed in the hard palate in the Punjab region.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted on dry human skull specimens from November 2024 to
January 2025 at the Department of Anatomy, Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), Lahore, Pakistan.
Methods: Sixty well-preserved, non-pathological adult dry human skulls of were used to measure length,
breadth, height, and indices for the specific types of palate with the help of a digital vernier caliper. Data was
collected and assessed using SPSS 25.0 for mean and standard deviation.
Results: The hard palate's mean length, breadth, and height were 40.56±3.48mm, 36.51±2.73mm, and
16.45±3.38mm, respectively. In the present study, the palatine Index indicates that 72% of the palates were
wide (Brachystaphyline), followed by 18% and 10% intermediate (Mesostaphyline), and narrow
(Leptostaphyline), respectively. According to the palatine height index, 75% of the palates were deep
(Hypsistaphyline), 20% intermediate (Orthostaphyline), and 5% were low arched (Chamestaphyline). In 79% of
the skulls, the lesser palatine foramen was present on both sides, absent in 12%, whereas in 15% of the skulls,
there were two on the left side.
Conclusion: Morphometric evaluation of the hard palate enhances our understanding of its anatomical
variations and underscores their critical role in clinical and forensic applications.

How to cite this: Bashir Y, Ayyaz H, Mahmud T, Hassan S, Shahpar L. Morphometric Analysis and Variations of the Hard Palate in Human Dry Skulls: A Cross-Sectional Study from the Punjab Region, Pakistan. Life and Science. 2025; 6(2): 163-167. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.876