The levator veli palatini muscle has an important function in the swallowing process. It is part of the muscles of the pharynx. It prevents food or liquids from flowing into the nasal cavity.
What is the levator veli palatini muscle?
The levator veli palatini muscle is located in the human head. It is a part of the central nervous system and belongs to the muscles of the palate. The levator veli palatini muscle is a muscle that is considered to be exceptionally short. It is a rounded muscle that is included in the skeletal musculature of the head. The levator veli palatini muscle is located in the muscles of the pharynx, where it ensures the functioning of the soft palate lifter. Thus, the levator veli palatini muscle has an extraordinarily great importance in the swallowing process. In particular, it has an important function in closing the connection between the oral and nasal cavities. This closure is regulated by the soft palate elevator as well as the two upper gavage muscles. The closure ensures that neither food nor liquid is forced into the nasal cavity during swallowing. The levator veli palatini muscle is mainly responsible for the functional activity of the soft palate lifter. When swallowing, the levator veli palatini muscle tenses. As a result, the soft palate automatically lifts at that moment.
Anatomy and structure
The IXth cranial nerve is the glossopharyngeal nerve. It innervates organs and muscles involved in processes such as taste recognition, circulatory and respiratory regulation, and swallowing. Together with the X. Cranial nerve, the vagus nerve, it supplies the head and neck region of the human body. The vagus nerve is responsible for the supply of the larynx, important parts of the thoracic cavity and also for the swallowing process. Together, the two cranial nerves innervate the muscles of the pharynx via the pharyngeal plexus. This area includes the soft palate elevator. This is controlled by the levator veli palatini muscle. The levator veli palatini muscle is a short muscle. Its course begins at the pars petrosa of the temporal bone. The temporal bone is called the os temporale and the pars petrosa is the petrous pyramid. The levator veli palatini muscle passes from the occluding cartilage of the auditory tube over the edge of the superior constrictor pharyngis muscle. From there, its path continues to the area of the soft palate and from there to the soft palate. The soft palate is called the velum palatinum and is almost interwoven by the levator veli palatini muscle.
Function and tasks
The main task of the levator veli palatini muscle is to establish the functional activity of the soft palate during the swallowing process. There is an area in the palate called the soft palate. When the mouth is opened, the soft palate becomes visible at the end of the pharynx. Visually, it resembles a double fold or even a uvula. It hangs downward in the middle of the pharynx toward the root of the tongue and is free to move. The soft palate ensures that no food or liquids enter the area of the nasal cavity. This clears the way for ingested substances to be passed on to the esophagus. This also applies to the outflow of saliva in the mouth, in the event that there is no external supply of food or liquids. The soft palate prevents anything from accidentally entering the trachea. The levator veli palatini muscle tenses at the moment of swallowing. This tension causes the soft palate to lift. In the raised state, the soft palate automatically becomes a closure and food as well as liquids are automatically transported into the esophagus. In addition, the levator veli palatini muscle, together with the tensor veli palatini muscle, assists in opening the auditory tube. This is called the eustachian tube or eustachian tube. It provides pressure equalization between the outer and middle ear. This equalization of pressure is important for the process of hearing to be carried out. In addition, the soft palate, and thus the levator veli palatini muscle, has a function in the speech formation of certain sounds.
Diseases
Discomfort in the palate may result from the ingestion of hot drinks or food. In addition to pain, these can result in burns or scalds. The sensitive mucous membrane in the throat and palate area is attacked as a result. Redness or swelling occurs.In the case of severe burns, small burn blisters develop. Impaired functioning of the levator veli palatini muscle leads to inadequate phonation. The consonant “r” can no longer be pronounced correctly. During the formation of the letter, the soft palate flutters against the hind tongue. This is omitted and the letter cannot be pronounced correctly. In addition, letter combinations such as the “ch” are can no longer be formed if the soft palate were not fully functional. Other complaints or diseases include various infections, neuralgias, inflammations, the formation of tumors or allergies. Toothache can also result in discomfort in the palate. Fungi can form around the lips, tongue or palate and cause discomfort. Defects of the mucous membranes lead to chewing and swallowing difficulties. In addition, the formation of sounds is limited. As a congenital malformation, cleft lip and palate disease can split the soft palate. This can lead to impairments of the swallowing act. In most cases, the malformation is corrected via surgery in the first few weeks of life after birth.
