This is the pyramid shaped process that projects laterally from the posterior junction of the perpendicular and horizontal plates. It fits into the notch between the lateral and medial pterygoid plates of the sphenoid bone. Its anterolateral surface articulates with the tuberosity of the maxilla. Posteriorly its smooth triangular surface completes the inferior portion of the pterygoid fossa. On the inferior surface of the process are located the lesser palatine foramina for the lesser palatine vessels and nerves.

Pyramid is a word of uncertain origin. It can be traced back to the Greek pyramidos that possibly stems from the Greek pyr meaning fire. This might be in reference to the shape of the flame. Process is a term used in anatomy to describe a projection on a bone. It comes from the Latin pro- meaning forward and cessus for gone. It is an old term that can be traced back to the writings of the early anatomist Celsus.

Processus pyramidalis ossis palatini