Embedded Files
The tensor veli palatini mm. are paired, one on either side of the soft palate. They attach laterally to the medial pterygoid plate and the cartilage of the pharygotympanic tube, and run into the soft palate where the left and right muscles meet in the midline. When the muscles contract they stiffen the soft palate, which facilitates its function of closing off the nasal cavity from the pharynx during the swallowing reflex. It is innervated by a branch of V3 via the nerve to medial pterygoid.
Figure 4.1 Medial view of the pharynx, with the mucosa stripped away to expose the muscles of the pharyngeal wall.
Figure 4.2 Medial view of the palate with the muosa removed to show the tensor and levator muscles.
Page updated
Report abuse