Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2025

Quantification of Orofacial Phenotypes in Xenopus
Published on: November 6, 2014
Correlations of palatal surface area with anthropometric dimensions of the head and face
Z Assy1, D H J Jager2, H S Brand3
1Department of Oral Biochemistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Room 12N-37, Gustav Mahlerlaan 3004, 1081 LA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. z.assy@acta.nl.
Purpose:
Saliva distribution over the palatal surface plays an important role in the perception of dry mouth. It is envisaged that non-invasive estimation of the palatal surface area by anthropometric measurements of the head and face can be useful in the assessment of oral dryness. For this purpose, the relationship between the palatal surface area and anthropometric measurements of the head and face was investigated.
Methods:
The palatal surface was measured in 51 healthy volunteers using an intra-oral scanner. The distances between anthropometric landmarks of the head and face were determined using an anatomical sliding caliper. Correlations between the palatal surface area and the anthropometric landmarks were investigated.
Results:
The median palatal surface area for the total study population was found to be 2120.6 mm2. Virtually, all anthropometric measurements showed significant differences between females and males. Various head and face measurements had a significant correlation with the palatal surface area. However, these correlations disappeared when the participants were stratified based on their sex, with the exception of mandibular length and palatal width in females.
Conclusion:
The surface area of the palate correlates with nearly all anthropometric measurements of the head and face included in this study. Yet, the clinical applicability seems limited to females.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Overview of the Skull
The cranial vault surrounds and protects the brain and houses the middle and inner ear structures. This cavity is bounded superiorly by the rounded top of the skull, which...
Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.

