Palatoglossus muscle

Palatoglossus is one of the four extrinsic muscles of the soft palate that form the palatoglossal arch (anterior pillar of the fauces).

Anatomical details

1. Origin

From the inferior surface of the palatine aponeurosis of the soft palate.

2. Insertion

Passes downward and laterally to blend with the side of the tongue, interdigitating with fibres of the styloglossus.

Innervation

Pharyngeal plexus via the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X).

• Note: It is the only tongue muscle not supplied by the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII).

Actions

• Elevates the posterior part of the tongue.

• Depresses the soft palate.

• Closes the oropharyngeal isthmus during swallowing — separating the oral cavity from the oropharynx.

Relations

• Lies beneath the mucous membrane of the palatoglossal arch, anterior to the palatine tonsil and palatopharyngeus muscle.