NEET PG Medical – 2018 – Question – 2
Hard palate contains:
a) Keratinised, submucosa, minor salivary gland
b) Keratinised, absent submucosal layer, minor salivary gland
c) Non keratinised, submucosal layer, minor salivary gland
d) Non keratinised, absent submucosa, minor salivary gland
Correct Answer – A
Answer – A. Keratinised, submucosa, minor salivary gland The hard palate is located on the roof of the oral cavity, posterior and medial to the alveolar process of the maxilla.
The bony structure is formed by the palatine processes of the maxilla and the horizontal plates of the palatine bones.
The periosteum is covered by a firmly attached mucosa centrally, although a submucosa is apparent laterally containing vessels. The hard palate is continuous with the soft palate posteriorly.
Macroscopic Features
The hard palate is typically a pale pink colour and may have an orange peel appearance from the palatine salivary glands (more common posteriorly).
Microscopic Features
The hard palate is lined with a keratinising stratified squamous epithelium, tightly bound to the underlying periosteum of the palatine bone/maxilla. There is minimal submucosa, which becomes more prominent posteriorly.
