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Are two in number. They are distinguished into, 1. The superior palatal or palatine, Palatina descendens or Palato-maxillary, which leaves the internal maxillary behind the top of the orbit; descends into the pterygo-maxillary fissure, and enters the posterior maxillary canal. Its branches are distributed to the velum palati and the nasal fossae. 2. The inferior or ascending palatine or palatal, which is very small, and separates from the facial near its origin. It passes along the lateral and superior part of the pharynx, between the pillars of the velum palati, and divides into a number of ramusculi, which are distributed to the pharynx, the corresponding tonsil, the Eustachian tube, and the velum palati.