Table 4 - Innervation and actions of palatal muscles involved in oropharyngeal swallowing
From the following article
Physiology of oral cavity, pharynx and upper esophageal sphincter
Benson T. Massey
GI Motility online (2006)
doi:10.1038/gimo2
| Functional Group | Muscle | Innervation | Site of motor neurons | Function in deglutition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palatal | Tensor veli palatini | CN V3 | Trigeminal nucleus (V), pons | Tense soft palate |
| Levator veli palatini | CN XI via pharyngeal branch of CN X (pharyngeal plexus) | Nucleus ambiguus (X), medulla | Raise/ retract soft palate; widen entrance to oropharynx; seal nasopharynx | |
| Palatoglossus | CN XI via pharyngeal branch of CN X (pharyngeal plexus) | Nucleus ambiguus (X), medulla | Raise posterior tongue; lower soft palate; seal back of oral cavity from oropharynx | |
| Uvular | CN XI via pharyngeal branch of CN X (pharyngeal plexus) | Nucleus ambiguus (X), medulla | Raise uvula; brace soft palate |
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