Levator veli palatini

Structure

The levator veli palatini muscle occurs in the soft palate of the mouth. It forms a sling superior and immediately posterior to the palatine aponeurosis.

Origin

The primary site of origin of the muscle is a quadrangular roughened area upon the medial extremity of the inferior aspect of the petrous part of the temporal bone; here, the muscle arises by a small tendon.

Additional fibres of the muscle arise from the inferior aspect of the cartilaginous part of pharyngotympanic tube, and the vaginal process of sphenoid bone.

Insertion

In the medial third of the soft palate, its fibers spread out between the two strands of the palatoglossus muscle to attach to the superior surface of the palatine aponeurosis and intermingle with fibres of its contralateral partner.

Nerve supply

The levator veli palatini muscle receives motor innervation from the vagus nerve (CN X) via the pharyngeal plexus.

Relations

During its course from its origin to its insertion, the muscle passes medial to the superior margin of the superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle.

It lies lateral to the choana.

Actions/movements

The primary action of the muscle is to elevate and draw posterior-ward the nearly vertical posterior portion of the soft palate; thereby, the soft palate is brought into contact with the posterior wall of the pharynx, thus creating a barrier between the nasopharynx and oropharynx.

Additionally, the muscle draws the lateral walls of the nasopharynx posteromedially, thus narrowing the nasopharynx.

Function

The levator veli palatini muscle elevates the soft palate during swallowing. This helps to prevent food from entering the nasopharynx. Its action may be slightly slower than its partner, the tensor veli palatini muscle.

It has little to no effect on the pharyngotympanic tube.

Additional images

Image:Gray141.png|Left temporal bone. Inferior surface.

References

References

1. (2002-06-01). "Functional Anatomy of Levator Veli Palatini Muscle and Tensor Veli Palatini Muscle in Association with Eustachian Tube Cartilage". Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology.
2. Standring, Susan. (2020). "Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice".