Tensor veli palatini muscle

The tensor veli palatini muscle is a key muscle of the soft palate that plays a crucial role in swallowing and equalizing pressure in the middle ear. It is one of the muscles of the soft palate, along with the levator veli palatini, palatoglossus, palatopharyngeus, and musculus uvulae.

Anatomy

The tensor veli palatini muscle originates from the scaphoid fossa of the sphenoid bone and the lateral wall of the auditory tube. It descends vertically and then hooks around the pterygoid hamulus, a bony projection of the sphenoid bone, before inserting into the palatine aponeurosis.

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Anatomy of the tensor veli palatini muscle (highlighted in red) and its relation to surrounding structures.

Innervation

The tensor veli palatini is innervated by the medial pterygoid nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve (CN V3), which is a division of the trigeminal nerve. This is unique among the muscles of the soft palate, as the others are innervated by the vagus nerve (CN X).

Function

The primary function of the tensor veli palatini is to tense the soft palate. This action is important during swallowing, as it helps to close off the nasopharynx, preventing food from entering the nasal cavity. Additionally, the muscle plays a role in opening the auditory tube (Eustachian tube) during swallowing and yawning, which helps to equalize pressure between the nasopharynx and the middle ear.

Clinical significance

Dysfunction of the tensor veli palatini can lead to issues with swallowing and middle ear problems, such as Eustachian tube dysfunction. This can result in symptoms like ear fullness, hearing loss, and increased susceptibility to middle ear infections.

Also see

• Levator veli palatini
• Palatine aponeurosis
• Eustachian tube
• Soft palate
• Trigeminal nerve