Bursa of tensor veli palatini
Bursa tensoris veli palatini
- Latin synonym: Bursa musculi tensoris veli palatini
- Synonym: Bursa of tensor veli palatini muscle
Definition
The bursa of the tensor veli palatini is a small synovial sac located in the infratemporal region, associated with the tendon of the tensor veli palatini muscle as it wraps around the pterygoid hamulus of the medial pterygoid plate.
It acts as a friction-reducing cushion during the muscle’s contraction, allowing smooth movement of the tendon as it changes direction around the hamulus, prior to inserting into the palatine aponeurosis of the soft palate.
Clinical relevance
Inflammation of this bursa (rare) can cause pain near the pterygoid hamulus or soft palate, sometimes misinterpreted as otitis media, TMJ pain, or pterygoid tendinitis.
References
Gray, H. (2016) Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st edn. Edited by S. Standring. New York: Elsevier. Chapter 34: Pharynx, pp. 579.
Shetty SS, Shetty P, Shah PK, Nambiar J, Agarwal N. Pterygoid Hamular Bursitis: A Possible Link to Craniofacial Pain. Case Rep Surg. 2018 Aug 12;2018:5108920. doi: 10.1155/2018/5108920.
