palatine torus, a bony ridge along the hard palate at the line of fusion of the left and right jawbone segments. It is believed to be caused by inheritance or environmental influences such as bruxism. There is no treatment unless the overlying tissue is traumatized or interferes with the placement of a denture prosthesis. A large torus can interfere with intubation with an endotracheal tube or insertion of a laryngeal mask airway. Also called torus palatinus. Compare torus mandibularis.
