Radiographic and microscopic anatomy of the mid-palatal suture in the elderly.

In a previous radiological study of the mid-palatal suture, it has been demonstrated that its obliteration was occurring during adult life and varied. In order to determine the histological status of mid-palatal suture in elderly men, 20 human palates aged more than 70 were examined by occlusal radiographs and histological study of the suture. In all palates the suture was ossified in the anterior thirds and made of conjunctive tissue in the posterior third. This particular evolution could be correlated to the mastication forces acting on the maxillary bones during the entire life.