What it means
The front two-thirds of the roof of the mouth, made of bone covered by a firm lining. It separates the mouth from the nose. Behind it is the soft palateSOFT PAL-itThe soft, muscular back part of the roof of the mouth, with no bone in it.Full entry , which has no bone. A cleft palate is a gap in the palate present from birth.
For the nurse
In a newborn, look at and feel the whole palate for a cleft. In any client, check the palate for sores, white patches and color during the mouth exam.
At a glance
| Spanish | paladar duro |
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Related terms
soft palate
The soft, muscular back part of the roof of the mouth, with no bone in it.