Lesser Palatine Foramen

The lesser palatine foramen refers to 2 small foramina corresponding the aperture within the hard palate of a small co-contributing canal originating from the greater palatine canal called the lesser palatine canal. They are located within the posterior palatine bone posterior towards the greater palatine foramen as well as at the bottom of the pyramidal process which is posteromedial towards the third molar tooth. Lesser palatine foramen conveys the lesser palatine nerves as well as vessels.

Lesser Palatine Foramen

Relations

• The pyramidal process of the palatine bone is penetrated via lesser palatine foramen which conveys the lesser palatine nerve as well as vessels.
• The commencement of a transverse rim for the connection of the tendinous development of the Tensor veli palatini marks it.