What are the palpable lines on the roof of the mouth called?!
Question:
What are the palpable lines on the roof of the mouth called?
And why do they feel more prominent at certain times than others? (when you touch them with your tongue). Odd question I know...maybe someone can enlighten me. Thanks in advance.
Answers:
They're called palatal rugae (pronounced roo-gee)
It is difficult to know why they sometimes feel so prominent. They probably do enlarge and reduce a little with variations i blood flow to this tissue. More blood flow may be caused by hot food and drinks, which then hardens and enlarges the areas. They are also more noticeable if they have been irritated - perhaps by food again.
Edited: Thanks for pointing out the typo Chanel