Palatine aponeurosis

The palatine aponeurosis forms the fibrous framework of the soft palate. It is formed by the expanded tendons of the tensor veli palatini muscles on both sides. These tendons spread out to create a thin yet strong fibrous sheet that extends across the anterior part of the soft palate.

Attachments

• Anteriorly: The palatine aponeurosis is thick anteriorly where it is firmly attached to the posterior border of the hard palate and provides a firm attachment for the muscles of the soft palate.

• Posteriorly: It becomes thinner and merges with the palatine muscles and mucosa.

• Laterally: Continuous with the tensor veli palatini tendons.

Muscular Relations

Muscles attached to or acting through the palatine aponeurosis include:

• Tensor veli palatini: its tendon spreads to form the aponeurosis.

• Levator veli palatini: inserts into its superior surface to elevate the soft palate.

• Palatoglossus and palatopharyngeus: via their attachment to the palatine aponeurosis, help move the soft palate downward during swallowing.

• Musculus uvulae: lies within the midline posteriorly.

Function

The palatine aponeurosis:

• Provides a fibrous skeleton for the soft palate.

• Serves as a common tendon sheet (insertion point) for the palatine muscles, coordinating their actions.

• Contributes to the closure of the nasopharynx during swallowing and speech, preventing reflux of food or fluid into the nasal cavity.

• Maintains the shape and tension of the soft palate during functional activity.

Clinical correlate

Lesions of the vagus nerve or its branches (especially via the pharyngeal plexus) can result in paralysis of palatal muscles, leading to velopharyngeal insufficiency, which may cause nasal regurgitation or a nasal quality of speech.