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Oral Surgery · single question

Which muscle elevates the POSTERIOR PORTION of the soft palate (levator for velopharyngeal closure)?

  1. Tensor veli palatini
  2. Musculus uvulae
  3. Palatoglossus
  4. Levator veli palatini
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. Levator veli palatini

  • A. Tensor veli palatini TENSES the soft palate (makes it firm) and opens the Eustachian tube — primarily V3 innervated. Both tensor and levator work together but levator is the primary elevator.
  • B. Musculus uvulae elevates and shortens the uvula — not the primary palate elevator.
  • C. Palatoglossus lowers the palate — the opposite action.
  • D. Correct. The LEVATOR VELI PALATINI is the primary muscle that ELEVATES the soft palate (lifts it upward and backward to close off the nasopharynx). It is the most important muscle for velopharyngeal closure during speech and swallowing. Innervated by the pharyngeal plexus (CN X).

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