Greater Palatine Block Technique — ORE Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: E — Palatal mucosa immediately anterior to the greater palatine foramen
Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · E = shown as B · D = shown as C · B = shown as D · A = shown as E
A greater palatine block is given on the posterior hard palate, with local anaesthetic deposited immediately anterior to the greater palatine foramen after the site has been identified by palpation. This blocks the greater palatine nerve as it emerges onto the palate. The incisive papilla region in B is used for a nasopalatine block, which anaesthetises the anterior palatal tissues. The midline soft palate in C is not the site of the greater palatine foramen. D is a buccal infiltration site and does not anaesthetise palatal tissues through the greater palatine nerve. E is a mandibular landmark and is anatomically unrelated to this maxillary palatal block. The foramen is usually in the posterior hard-palate molar region, but its exact relationship to individual molars is variable.
Reference: Iwanaga J, et al. New supplemental landmark for the greater palatine foramen as found deep to soft tissue: application for the greater palatine nerve block. Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2017. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28236129/