Corpus: Palatopharyngeus muscle
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1. Definition
The palatopharyngeus muscle is a long muscle that forms the posterior palatine arch (arcus palatopharyngeus) and is part of the palatal musculature.
Some authors also categorise it as part of the pharyngeal musculature and group it together with the stylopharyngeus and salpingopharyngeus muscles as the levator pharyngis muscle.
2. Course
2.1. Origin
The palatopharyngeus muscle originates from the palatal aponeurosis of the soft palate. It is divided into two fascicles by the levator veli palatini muscle and the uvulae muscle. The thicker, anterior fascicle runs between the levator veli palatini muscle and the tensor veli palatini muscle. The posterior fascicle runs directly under the mucosa. Both fascicles are in contact with the muscle of the same name on the opposite side in the median plane.
2.2. Attachment
The fibres of the palatopharyngeal muscle run laterally and caudally behind the palatine tonsil (tonsilla palatina), where they meet the fibres of the stylopharyngeal muscle. Together they insert into the posterior edge of the thyroid cartilage (cartilago thyroidea), while other fibres are lost in the lateral walls of the pharynx.
In its course, the salpingopharyngeus muscle raises the plica salpingopharyngea on the lateral pharyngeal wall.
3. Innervation
The palatopharyngeal muscle is innervated by the pharyngeal plexus.
4. Function
The palatopharyngeus muscle supports the act of swallowing.