Anterior fascicle of palatopharyngeus muscle

The anterior fascicle of palatopharyngeus muscle arises from the posterior border of the hard palate and the superior surface of the palatine aponeurosis. It lies anterior to the levator veli palatini, effectively sandwiching that muscle between itself and the posterior fascicle. As it descends, it unites with the posterior fascicle at the posterolateral border of the soft palate to form a single muscular sheet and contributes to the palatopharyngeal arch (posterior tonsillar pillar).

Functionally, it depresses the soft palate and narrows the oropharyngeal isthmus during swallowing.

Summary note

• Both fascicles converge below the levator veli palatini to form the main body of the palatopharyngeus, which descends to create the palatopharyngeal arch and integrates into the longitudinal musculature of the pharynx.