Incisive Canal

The incisive canal (lat. canalis incisivus) is a narrow bone canal connecting the oral cavity with the nasal cavity. It is located in the center of the hard palate between the central incisors of the upper jaw. The length of the channel is 10-12 mm, width - 3-4 mm.

The incisive canal is also called the nasopalatine canal and Stenon's canal after the Italian anatomist who first described it in the 17th century.

The functions of the incisive canal are:

1. Communication between the oral cavity and the nasal cavity, which allows exhaled air to enter the nasopharynx.

2. Participation in the formation of some speech sounds.

3. Humidification and warming of inhaled air.

4. The mucous membrane of the canal secretes a secretion that moistens the oral cavity.

Thus, the incisive canal plays an important role in the functioning of the respiratory and digestive systems, as well as in the formation of speech sounds.

Incisive canal - can also be called the nasal canal, more commonly known as the Nasopalatine canal or Stenon's canal. Its name comes from its location just behind the odontoid processes of the incisors (Canalis incisorius), and "incisive" is given due to the fact that this canal is close to the ethmoid bone and the incisive foramina. It is one of the channels inside the nasal cavity and serves to transport air and communicate between the outer and inner ear. Heading down towards the nasal septum, it passes through the walls of the posterior compartments of the forehead