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Oral Surgery · single question

The muscle that elevates the soft palate to close off the nasopharynx during swallowing is:

  1. Palatoglossus
  2. Stylopharyngeus
  3. Tensor veli palatini (also opens the Eustachian tube)
  4. Palatopharyngeus
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Correct answer: C. Tensor veli palatini (also opens the Eustachian tube)

  • A. Palatoglossus lowers the soft palate and raises the back of the tongue — opposite action.
  • B. Stylopharyngeus elevates the pharynx and larynx during swallowing — not the soft palate.
  • C. Correct. The TENSOR VELI PALATINI is essential for closing the nasopharynx by tensing the soft palate during swallowing and speech. It also opens the Eustachian (auditory) tube, allowing pressure equalization. It is innervated by V3 (mandibular nerve) via the medial pterygoid nerve — unique among palatal muscles (all others are innervated by the pharyngeal plexus/CN X).
  • D. Palatopharyngeus draws the palate downward and narrows the fauces — it does NOT elevate the soft palate for nasopharyngeal closure.

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