Morphology of palatal rugae patterns among 5-15 years old children.

Introduction: "The fibers running anteroposteriorly within the core and in concentric curves across the base of each ruga" determine their orientation and forms. The varying shapes of palatal rugae can be attributed to the fact that rugae develop as localized regions of epithelial proliferation and thickening. Fibroblasts and collagen fibers then accumulate in the connective tissue beneath the thickened epithelium and assume distinct orientation.