Editing Soft palate (section)

===Modelling===
{{Unclear|section|talk=Talk:Soft_palate#Function::Modelling_section_is_unclear|date=August 2023}}
Within the microstructure of the soft palate lie a variety of variably-oriented fibers that create a nonuniform surface with a nonuniform density distribution. The tissue has been characterized as viscoelastic, nonlinear, and anisotropic in the direction of the fibers. [[Young modulus]] values range from 585&nbsp;Pa at the posterior free edge of the soft palate to 1409&nbsp;Pa where the soft palate attaches to the maxilla.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1597/08-012.1 |pmid=19642755 |title=Biomechanical Properties of the Human Soft Palate |journal=The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal |volume=46 |issue=3 |pages=268–74 |year=2009 |last1=Birch |first1=M. J. |last2=Srodon |first2=P. D. |s2cid=24414466 }}</ref> These properties are useful when quantifying the effects of corrective orthopedic devices such as the Hotz Plate on cleft lip.

Quantitative analyses have been done on bilateral and unilateral cleft palate to better understand geometric differences in cleft palate throughout the course of its development and correction.<ref>{{cite journal |pmid=4524356 |year=1974 |last1=Berkowitz |first1=S |title=Quantitative analysis of cleft palate casts. A geometric study |journal=The Cleft Palate Journal |volume=11 |pages=134–61 |last2=Krischer |first2=J |last3=Pruzansky |first3=S }}</ref> Despite the difficulty in finding common, comparable landmarks between normal soft palates and cleft palates, analytical methods have been devised to assess differences in degree of curvature of the alveolar crest, two-dimensional and three-dimensional surface area, and slope of the alveolar crest.

Finite element analysis has demonstrated effective modeling of soft-palate extension and movement. It has also been an effective tool for evaluating the craniofacial effects of corrective orthopedic devices and cleft lip.