A torus palatinus (pl. tori palatini), or palatal torus (pl. palatal tori), is a bony protrusion on the palate. Palatal tori are usually present on the midline of the hard palate. Most palatal tori are less than 2 cm in diameter, but their size can change throughout life. Types
Sometimes, the tori are categorized by their appearance. Arising as a broad base and a smooth surface, flat tori are located on the midline of the palate and extend symmetrically to either side. Spindle tori have a ridge located at their midline. Nodular tori have multiple bony growths that each have their own base. Lobular tori have multiple bony growths with a common base. Cause
Although some research suggest palatal tori to be an autosomal dominant trait, it is generally believed that palatal tori are caused by several factors. They are more common in early adult life and can increase in size. In some older people, the size of the tori may decrease due to bone resorption. It is believed that tori of the lower jaw are the result of local stresses and not due solely to genetic influences. Treatment
Palatal tori are usually a clinical finding with no treatment necessary. It is possible for ulcers to form on the area of the tori due to repeated trauma. Also, the tori may complicate the fabrication of dentures. If removal of the tori is needed, surgery can be done to reduce the amount of bone present. Surgical removal
A maxillary torus is only removed in instances where it is problematic.
Cerocorticium molle is a species of crust fungus in the family Meruliaceae. Taxonomy
The fungus was first described by Miles Berkeley and Moses Ashley Curtis in 1868 as Corticium molle. They described the fruit body of the type specimen as resembling "a thin coating of wax poured over the surface". It was transferred to genus Cerocorticium by Walter Jülich in 1975. Habitat and distribution
Cerocorticium molle grows on the dead bark and wood of a variety of angiosperms, and it has occasionally been recorded growing on or under the bark of living trees. It is found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, North America, and South America. == References ==