Which muscle forms the ANTERIOR pillar of the fauces, immediately in front of the palatine tonsil?

Correct answer: B. Palatoglossus

• A. The superior constrictor forms the LATERAL and posterior wall of the tonsillar bed, deep to the tonsil, not a pillar in front of it.
• B. CORRECT. PALATOGLOSSUS runs from the palatine aponeurosis to the side of the tongue and raises the palatoglossal fold — the ANTERIOR tonsillar pillar. It sits directly in front of the palatine tonsil and forms the boundary of the oropharyngeal isthmus. It is unique among tongue muscles in being innervated by the VAGUS via the pharyngeal plexus rather than by the hypoglossal nerve.
• C. PALATOPHARYNGEUS forms the palatopharyngeal fold — the POSTERIOR tonsillar pillar, behind the tonsil. The tonsil sits in the fossa between the two pillars.
• D. Styloglossus arises from the styloid process and retracts and elevates the tongue; it does not form a fold in the oropharyngeal isthmus.

Note: Anatomic memory aid: the tonsil sits in a fossa sandwiched between palatoGLOSSUS in front and palatoPHARYNGEUS behind — read the name, and it tells you what it connects the palate to.