Tensor veli palatini

Anatomical details

1. Location

Situated in the lateral wall of the nasopharynx, the tensor veli palatini lies anterior and lateral to the levator veli palatini. It passes vertically downward between the medial and lateral pterygoid plates before turning medially around the pterygoid hamulus.

2. Origin

• Scaphoid fossa of the sphenoid bone.

• Spine of the sphenoid bone.

• Fibrous part of the pharyngotympanic (auditory) tube.

3. Course and insertion

The muscle descends vertically, forming a narrow tendon that hooks medially around the pterygoid hamulus (a process of the medial pterygoid plate). The tendon then expands to form the palatine aponeurosis, which constitutes the fibrous framework of the soft palate; attached along the posterior margin of the hard palate.

Innervation

Unique among the palate muscles, the tensor veli palatini is supplied by the medial pterygoid branch of the mandibular nerve (V3) via the otic ganglion—a branch of the trigeminal nerve.

• Note: (All other palatine muscles are supplied by the pharyngeal plexus via the vagus nerve.)

Action

• Tenses the soft palate, providing a firm platform against which other muscles act to elevate the palate during swallowing.

• The tensor veli palatini also contributes to opening the pharyngotympanic (auditory) tube during swallowing and yawning. Its coordinated action is essential for maintaining pressure equilibrium between the nasopharynx and middle ear. Dysfunction may contribute to Eustachian tube obstruction, leading to middle ear pressure problems or otitis media with effusion.