An Anatomical Study of Incisive Canal and its Foramen

Abstract Introduction: Anatomically, the incisive canals start on the nasal fossa floor, close to the septum, and open at the incisive foramen of the maxillary palatine process. The nasopalatine nerve passes through the incisive foramen as well as the septal artery and the sphenopalatine vein. Also, there may be accessory canals. Typically, the incisive foramen has two incisive canals. This work aimed to analyze the morphology and morphometry of the foramen and incisive canals in the macerated cephalic skeletons. Material and methods: For this purpose, we selected 150 samples of adult individuals, with no distinctions of sex and ethnicity. We analyzed the frequency of incisive canals in the foramen was analyzed as well the area, diameter, and communications of incisive canals with the fossa and nasal cavity. Results: The cephalic analysis results showed that most incisive foramina have at least two canals that communicate the nasal cavity with the oral cavity. The right-side canal had an average of 1.975mm² in area and 1.281mm in diameter. Also, the left-side canal had an average of 1.468mm² in area and 1.182mm in diameter. The average area and total diameter of the incisive foramen were 8.148mm² and 3.101mm, respectively.Conclusion: Hence, understanding anatomy and its variations is essential for clinical applications, as it may alter surgical technique and prognosis. Besides, it can be said all incisive canals have communication with the nasal cavity.