Definition
The palatal arch is the mucosal folds raised by the soft palate (velum palatinum). A distinction is made between a front and a rear palatal arch. When the mouth is open, the two palatal arches are clearly visible. Between the two palatal arches is the so-called tonsil niche (Tonsillae Lodge) where the palatal tonsils (Tonsilla palatina) are found. Palatal tonsils are only one type of almonds and are located, as the name suggests, between the front and back palatal arches.
Anatomy
The anterior palatal arch is also called Arcus palatoglossus (Arcus lat. arch, Palatum lat. palate, Glossa gr.
tongue). It extends from the soft palate to the lateral edge of the tongue. Let’s throw up the arch from the muscle of the same name (Musculus palatoglossus).
The M. palatoglossus is controlled from the plexus pharygeus (innervated). This is a plexus controlled by a nerve plexus, which is formed by the 9th (N. glossopharyngeus) and the 10th (N. vagus) cranial nerve. The following topic might also be interesting for you: Cranial nerve The posterior palatal arch is also called the arcus palatopharyngeus (pharynx). It stretches from the soft palate to the throat and is raised by the palatopharyngeal muscle. Also the M. palatopharyngeus is innervated from the plexus pharyngeus.
Function
One function of the palatal arches is to separate the oral cavity (cavitas oris) from the pharynx. By delimiting the tonsil niche, the palatal arches also form a space where the immune response can be concentrated in the event of an infection. The two muscles that make up the palatal arch also have certain functions.
The M. palatoglossus and the M. palatopharyngeus lift the base of the tongue by their contraction and lower the soft palate. This causes the so-called pharyngeal narrowing (isthmus faucium), the transition from mouth to throat, to become narrow. This is especially important when swallowing.
The palatal arch is also important for the gag reflex. This is a so-called protective reflex. It is intended to prevent foreign bodies such as drinks or food from entering the windpipe (trachea).
In addition, the body defends itself against poisonous or spoiled food in this way, since bitter or rotten food triggers this reflex. The uvula plays a decisive role in this process. Touching the palatal arches also triggers the gag reflex.
The muscles of the pharynx contract to transport the foreign body back into the oral cavity. They are supported by the muscles of the palatal arches. As the structure of the oral cavity, the palatal arch also guides the air currents that are important for talking.
It thus plays a part in the emphasis of speech. An inflammation of the palatal arches is usually due to an inflammation of the mucous membrane that covers the arches. Such an inflammation often does not occur alone, but when other parts of the mouth and throat are affected.
The symptoms correspond to the classic signs of inflammation: pain (dolor) occurs mainly when swallowing, chewing or speaking. Swelling (tumor), redness (rubor), overheating (calor) accompany the inflammation. The functional impairment (Functio laesa) becomes apparent in this area mainly through discomfort when swallowing, possibly also when speaking.
Inflammation can be a reaction to a variety of causes. On the palatal arch, these are often pathogenic microorganisms. Especially pathogens that also affect the tonsils can spread to the palatal arch.
These include adenoviruses, influenza viruses, streptococci and the Eppstein-Barr virus (the trigger of whistling glandular fever). An inflammation of the palatal arches can also be triggered by fungi. Normally, an intact immune system prevents the spread of fungi, which can also be found in the healthy oral flora.
However, if the body’s own defenses are weakened, e.g. by immunosuppressive drugs or infections, the fungi (especially Candida albicans) can spread. Burns in the oral cavity can also cause the tissue to die off and thus trigger inflammation. The palatal arch may also show signs of other diseases.
For example, in the case of bulimia nervosa, the gag reflex, which can normally be triggered by touch, is reduced or absent. A missing gag reflex can also be the symptom of nerve damage. The muscles that raise the palatal arches (palatopharyngeal and palatoglossal muscles) are supplied by the 9th (glossopharyngeal) and 10th (vagus) cranial nerves.If these nerves fail, the gag reflex is impaired.
If the palatal arch is injured, the structure of the oral cavity also changes. This can lead to more air flowing through the resonance chambers of the nose when speaking. The consequence is often open nasalization (hypernasality).
A swelling of the palatal arch can be triggered by an inflammation. This is particularly the case if the swelling is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, fever or deposits on the mucous membranes. An inflammation releases so-called inflammation mediators (e.g. histamine).
These ensure that blood vessels dilate and their permeability is increased. This causes the liquid part of the blood to leak into the surrounding tissue, which swells as a result. In this case, the swelling can best be treated by fighting the infection.
Antiseptic teas can have a supporting effect. However, such swelling can also occur in the course of an allergic reaction. Even then, mediators are released that affect the blood vessels.
Especially pollen or food allergies can make themselves felt on the palatal arch. But insect bites, such as when a wasp is swallowed, can also trigger an allergic reaction. The therapy here consists of a strict avoidance of the allergy triggers.
If an allergic reaction has occurred in which the swelling hinders breathing, medical help should be sought as soon as possible. In addition, burns of the palatal arch can lead to swelling. A burn always causes part of the affected tissue to die.
This is called necrosis. Necrosis is always accompanied by a mostly localized inflammation, which is why swelling also occurs here. The swelling goes down as soon as the burn has healed.
This happens faster on the palatal arch than on the skin, as the mucous membrane can regenerate quickly. Cool drinks can be helpful to relieve the pain. A short-term swelling can also be caused by particularly spicy or acidic foods.
This usually passes quickly. If the palatal arch is irritated anyway, you should avoid such foods. This topic could also be of interest to you: Swollen palateA redness occurs mainly as a sign of inflammation.
The inflammation (see: Inflammation of the palatal arch) can have various causes, e.g. the infection of the mucous membranes of the palatal arch with bacteria, viruses or fungi. Particularly in the case of fungi or bacteria, the mucous membranes are also covered with whitish, yellow or gray coatings. The occurrence of other symptoms such as pain, fever, or discomfort when swallowing and speaking always speaks in favor of an inflammation.
The mucous membranes of the palatal arch can also react sensitively to food that is too hot, spicy or acidic. Burns or irritation with redness of the palatal arch are the result. Such irritation can also be caused by gastric acid.
This acid reaches the mouth, for example, in the case of frequent vomiting (e.g. bulimia nervosa) or when the acid flows back from the stomach (reflux). In the case of blisters or pimples on the palatal arch, aphthae may be involved. These are approx.
1 cm large damages of the mucous membrane, which are covered by a whitish coating. The tissue around the aphtae is often reddened. The aphthae usually heal within two weeks, but unfortunately they can cause severe pain as long as they exist.
They occur more frequently in the case of a weakened immune system (e.g. after an infection) or after minor injuries. They can also be caused by an irritation of the palatal arch caused by alcohol, spicy, sour and too hot food. Malnutrition such as vitamin B-12 deficiency or gluten in coeliac disease (gluten intolerance) can also lead to aphthae.
If many aphthae occur at the same time, one speaks of oral rot (Stomatitis aphotsa). If the aphthae recur frequently, this is called chronic recurrent aphthosis. Small abscesses after inflammations or cysts can also act like pimples.
Blisters can be burn blisters after eating too hot food. Painful blisters can also be an indication of shingles (herpes zoster infection). The pathogen is Varicella virus, the infection usually occurs in childhood and manifests itself as chickenpox. However, the viruses remain in the body for life and can cause new symptoms, especially if the immune system is weakened.This could also be interesting for you: Bubbles in the mouth
