Palatal

(pal'a-tal.) [From L. pal a tum.) (Orthoëpy.) A letter pronounced by the aid of the palate, or articulated by striking the roof of the mouth with the tongue, asg soft, ch soft, orj. Palate,(pal'dt.) [Same der iv.] (Anat.) The roof or upper and inner part of the mouth. The glands in this part secrete a mucous fluid, which lubricates the mouth and throat, and facilitates deglutition. The " hard palate" is formed by the lower portions of the superior maxillary and palatal bones; the " soft palate," by the extension of membranous and muscular substance, unsupported by bones. [s. 677]