The greater palatine artery originates from the maxillary artery in the pterygopalatine fossa. It descends into the palatine canal where it gives origin to a small lesser palatine branch, and then continues through the greater palatine foramen onto the inferior surface of the hard palate (Fig. 8.274). The greater palatine artery passes forward on the hard palate and then leaves the palate superiorly through the incisive canal to enter the medial wall of the nasal cavity where it terminates. The greater palatine artery is the major artery of the hard palate. It also supplies palatal gingiva. The lesser palatine branch passes through the lesser palatine foramen just posterior to the greater palatine foramen, and contributes to the vascular supply of the soft palate.