Levator veli palatini

Levator Veli Palatini

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Levator veli palatini muscle

The Levator Veli Palatini is a muscle of the oral cavity that plays a crucial role in the process of swallowing. It is responsible for elevating the soft palate and closing off the nasopharynx, preventing food and liquid from entering the nasal cavity.

Anatomy

The Levator Veli Palatini originates from the temporal bone and the cartilage of the Eustachian tube. It descends medially and inserts into the palatine aponeurosis of the soft palate. The muscle is innervated by the pharyngeal plexus via the vagus nerve.

Function

The primary function of the Levator Veli Palatini is to elevate the soft palate. This action closes off the nasopharynx during swallowing and yawning, preventing the reflux of food or liquid into the nasal cavity and facilitating the passage of food into the esophagus.

Clinical Significance

Dysfunction of the Levator Veli Palatini can result in a condition known as velopharyngeal insufficiency, which is characterized by an inability to close off the nasopharynx during swallowing or speech. This can lead to nasal regurgitation and a nasal quality of speech.

See Also

• Soft palate
• Swallowing
• Velopharyngeal insufficiency