Musculus levator palati, also known as the levator veli palatini muscle, is a skeletal muscle found in the soft palate of the mouth. It is considered one of the major muscles responsible for the movement and control of the soft palate.
The soft palate is the muscular structure located at the back of the roof of the mouth. It separates the oral cavity from the nasopharynx, helping to regulate the airflow between the two. The musculus levator palati attaches to the undersurface of the soft palate and is responsible for its elevation and retraction.
When the musculus levator palati contracts, it raises and pulls the soft palate upward, which helps to close off the nasal passages during swallowing, talking, and other actions. This closure prevents food and fluids from entering the nasal cavity and ensures that they move down the throat and into the esophagus.
The musculus levator palati is innervated by the pharyngeal plexus, receiving motor fibers from the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX), specifically its branch known as the pharyngeal nerve. This nerve supply allows for voluntary and involuntary control of the muscle's contraction.
Overall, the musculus levator palati plays a crucial role in various functions related to speech, swallowing, and respiration. Dysfunction or weakness of this muscle can lead to difficulties in these activities, such as speech disorders or problems with swallowing.
