Objective: To describe the shape and distribution of the palatal rugae in a study population and determine if there are variations between men and women. Methodology: Descriptive Model in which the morphology and distribution of the palatal ridges with Trobo Hermosa in 94 adult patients attending the dental clinic consultation of the corporacion Universitaria Rafael Nuñez was studied, subjects were excluded with palatal asymmetry and with a history of surgery on the palate. Results: Of the 94 study subjects were 58 women and 36 men, average age was 35.1 years (SD=9.5), regarding the origin 38.3% were of Cartagena, the morphology of palatal ruga was more prevalent sinuous 258, line by 238 and point 104, female sexual gender in the most frequent form was sinuous 156 and circle was not found in the study of models, while the sinuous men presented with higher prevalence 92 and circle the less frequently than 4, no sexual dimorphism was evident. Conclusion: The most frequent palatal rugae are sinuous and line; concerning the frequency, shape and distribution, no sexual dimorphism, or patterns and provision of equal rugae evidenced. The individual pattern of palatal rugae is a reliable tool for the forensic identification guide I like that no palatóscopica formula was observed.

Forensic Dentistry; dental models; adults; rugoscopy